Australia vs South Africa, 3rd Test

The mace has been presented to South Africa as they end their Test engagements for the year with the No. 1 ranking intact. Fair enough, they did not lose a single Test in the entire year. On the other hand, Australia will have to get over the disappointment of another Test series loss at home against the Proteas as they prepare to host Sri Lanka. The 1st Test of that series starts on the 14th of December. Test cricket continues with India looking to avenge their 2nd Test loss when they face England at the famed Eden Gardens on Wednesday. For now, cheers and bye..

Proud moment for Ricky as he is joined by his parents, wife and his kids on the ground. A great career perhaps deserved a better farewell. The Aussie team-mates lift him on their shoulders and he is taken on a small stroll across the ground. Who will replace him in the playing XI? That is something the whole cricketing world will be discussing over the next few days.

Smith: I think we just have to look back to the 90s and see how difficult it is to win in Australia. Today was no different. The way we turned it around was something really special. Both England and Australia are great teams. We enjoyed beating them both. Congratulations to Ponting on a great career and we wish him all the best for the future. He's the best Australian batsman I have played against. I would love to share some beers and catch up with him now. I thank all the South African fans for getting up early in the morning to cheer us. This one's for you.

Clarke: I'll swap the runs for a win here today. Credit to South Africa. They've showed what it takes to be No. 1 and what we have to do to get there. To be the best team in the world, you've got to run with the momentum when you have it. They bowled well in the first innings in this match and ran with it for the next three days. I'm really proud of my team too. I think we fought really well. I'm doing some hard work behind the scenes. Its good to be scoring runs but we've to start winning more. Ponting's loss will be a big one. It's a huge loss for cricket. We'll keep him involved in cricket somehow.

Michael Clarke is the Mos for his 576 runs during the series.

Amla: I'm just glad to make a contribution in a winning cause. The bowlers did a fantastic job. Experience always helps. I'm very fortunate that this year has gone well. We've got a great bunch of guys and support staff as well. Fortunately, we came here as the No 1 ranked team. The first two Tests hardened us up. It was an awesome experience. Faf came into the team after JP got injured. The way he performed was a tribute to the SA spirit. He really set it up.

Hashim Amla is the MoM for his superb knock of 196 in the second innings.

Ricky Ponting: It is always very special. I have been a captain of two World Cup wins. Winning the Ashes was very special. I wish the boys best of luck for the upcoming Ashes. There are a lot of innings that come to mind. The knock of 197 against Pakistan during the 1999-00 season over here, the 100 I got in the 2003 WC final against India was remarkable . I have been proud of how I have played in big games, until the last couple of years. Probably my finest moment in my captaincy was taking a young side to SA a couple of years ago to win a series. That came after we lost to them here. I just took a walk around the park to have a look around at the faces of those young guys. That was a really proud moment for me.

Perth also marks the end of an era. Ricky Ponting, one of the last standing greats of the 90s has called time on his magnificent career, one that saw him part of 3 World Cup triumphs, most number of Test wins as a player (the only one to go past the magical 100 wins mark). He might have had his flaws, but this is the time to celebrate all the glorious occasions of a career that lasted 17 years. Farewell, Ricky.

Armed with the lead, Smith, Amla and de Villiers tore through the Australian bowling line-up in the second effort, perhaps a fitting retribution for the sufferings they endured on Day 1 of the Adelaide Test. Chasing 632 was well out of the equation for the hosts, the only thing was if they had any Faf and AB in their own ranks. It was not to be so as Steyn and Co. ripped through the batting line-up.

The hosts did start the Perth Test with the same alacrity as their new pronged pace attack ran through the South African top and middle order. At 6/75, South Africa were well and truly left gasping.Once again it was down to that man, Faf du Plessis to salvage the situation. His unbeaten 78 helped South Africa post a decent 225 on a tough pitch. Allan Donald's prognosis about the greatness of this South African attack looked to be a far call in the first two Tests but they showed their quality when it really mattered, skittling the hosts out for 163.

The series was billed as the battle for the No. 1 Test ranking and it stayed with the hype. What could have been the turning point of the series? Mid-way through the 4th day of the Adelaide Test, it was all but certain that the hosts would go into Perth with a 1-0 cushion. Try telling that to two men. AB de Viliers and Faf du Plessis played the sort of cricket that the purists would certainly approve. Faf completed a memorable debut with a fifty in the first innings and a match saving ton in the second. At the end of the 5th day, one got the feeling that Australia had well and truly failed to deliver the knock out punch.

Superb win by South Africa by a margin of 309 runs. They were made to wait for the moment. Lyon and Starc kept the crowd entertained with a breezy little stand of 87 for the final wicket. South Africa, though could not be denied. It was fitting that Smith and Steyn were involved in the final dismissal. 5 catches for Smith. Ponting leads the Aussies into the ground as the two teams end hostilities with warm hand-shakes and embraces.

82.5 Steyn to Lyon, out Caught by Graeme Smith!! There it is. South Africa remain the No.1 ranked team and they have defeated Australia for the second consecutive time in their home turf. Good length ball and it zips through on middle, Lyon pokes at it and gets an outside edge that is taken low at first slip by Graeme Smith to his right, this is his fifth catch and Clarke suffers his first series loss as skipper. Lyon c Graeme Smith b Steyn 31(43) [4s-6]

Steyn to Lyon, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

82.4 Steyn to Lyon, no run, good length ball and snaking away outside off, Lyon has a loose waft at it and gets beaten

82.3 Steyn to Lyon, FOUR, this is wonderful to watch, in the air but it was safe, short of a good length ball outside off, Lyon waits back and cuts it past gully and it screams away to the third man fence

82.2 Steyn to Lyon, no run, fuller length ball and swerving away just outside off, Lyon is rooted onto the back foot and he has a loose waft at it, gets beaten

82.1 Steyn to Lyon, no run, length delivery that zips through on the middle and off stump, Lyon goes back and dabs it to short extra cover

81.6 Philander to Starc, no run, good length and on the off, Starc taps it softly on the offside, this is the highest 10th wicket stand for Australia in Tests

81.5 Philander to Starc, FOUR, pitched up and on the leg, Starc lofts it gently over mid on for another boundary. Neatly done that.

81.4 Philander to Starc, no run, full and sliding down the legside now, Starc misses the flick

81.3 Philander to Starc, FOUR, Starc is just having some fun now. He sees a full delivery and smashes it over mid on for another boundary

81.2 Philander to Starc, no run, swinging in now, Starc tries to flick but is hit high on the front pad

81.1 Philander to Starc, no run, good length and well outside off, Starc watches it closely and leaves

Vernon Philander [20.0-8-33-2] is back into the attack

80.6 Steyn to Lyon, no run, full and just outside off, Lyon pushes it to to short cover

80.5 Steyn to Lyon, FOUR, The slip cordon is dozing! This goes right between Smith and Kallis much to the frustration of Steyn. IT was a thick edge and neither Kallis nor Smith moved an inch. The crowd is loving it now.

80.4 Steyn to Lyon, no run, pitched up and very straight, Lyon gets right behind the line to block it solidly

80.3 Steyn to Lyon, no run, full and moving away but still well outside off. Lyon has a go at it but still does not get an edge. Starc has a quite chuckle at the other end

80.2 Steyn to Lyon, no run, big swing away now and outside off, Lyon looks to drive and it goes very close to the outside edge but misses it

80.1 Steyn to Lyon, FOUR, Steyn goes full and on the middle and leg, Lyon flicks it neatly behind square on the onside with great timing and leves Steyn fuming

The 2nd new ball will be available now and South Africa take it right away.

79.6 du Plessis to Starc, FOUR, sliding on outside off, Starc backs away to cut and gets a thick outside edge that flies past the man at slip and down to the boundary

79.5 du Plessis to Lyon, 1 run, on the middle and leg, Lyon turns it off his hips through fine leg for one

79.4 du Plessis to Lyon, no run, full and sliding on now, Lyon reaches out to paddle but misses, goes just over the stumps

79.3 du Plessis to Starc, 1 run, on the middle and leg, Starc gets right back and works it through mid wicket

79.2 du Plessis to Starc, no run, pitched up, Starc pushes it to mid off

79.1 du Plessis to Starc, FOUR, tossed up and outside off, Starc comes on the frontfoot and drills it hard past mid off for a boundary

78.6 Steyn to Lyon, no run, Steyn shortens his length and gets it to shape away, Lyon plays inside the line and lets it go

78.5 Steyn to Lyon, FOUR, too straight from Steyn, Lyon gets inside the line and tucks it very fine, races past the keeper and into the fence for a boundary

78.4 Steyn to Lyon, no run, Steyn shortens his length on off, Lyon gets across and defends it compactly

78.3 Steyn to Lyon, no run, on a good length outside off and shaping away, Lyon has a feeble cut at that and misses

78.2 Steyn to Lyon, no run, full and on off, Lyon backs away slightly and drives it back towards the bowler

78.1 Steyn to Starc, 1 run, short and on off, Starc swivels across, rolls his wrists and pulls it down to deep square leg

77.6 du Plessis to Lyon, no run, tossed up on middle, Lyon gets across and defends it solidly

77.4 du Plessis to Starc, 3 runs, du Plessis drops this one short and outside off, Starc rocks back and cuts it behind point, the fielder gives chase and hauls the ball back in, the batsmen take three runs, maiden Test fifty for Starc

77.3 du Plessis to Starc, FOUR, tossed up and well outside off, Starc gets across and swings it wide of mid-wicket for a boundary, he is enjoying his stay out in the middle

77.2 du Plessis to Lyon, 1 run, full and on middle, driven towards mid-wicket for a single

77.1 du Plessis to Lyon, no run, tossed up on off, Lyon gets well forward in defence

Faf du Plessis, right-arm leg break, comes into the attack

The partnership is worth 44 runs, frustrating for South Africa

76.6 Steyn to Starc, 2 runs, Steyn shortens his length on off, punched back past the bowler and to the left of mid-on for a couple

76.5 Steyn to Starc, no run, full and wide outside off, Starc went for the swish and misses

76.4 Steyn to Starc, no run, just short, this was full and just outside off, Starc drives it on the up, Elgar dives forward from short cover, can't get his hands underneath the ball though, drops just in front of him

76.3 Steyn to Lyon, 1 run, on a length around middle, Lyon squirts it wide of cover point for a single

76.2 Steyn to Lyon, no run, fuller length delivery outside off and shaping away, easy leave for the batsman

76.1 Steyn to Starc, 1 run, full and outside off, Starc goes for the drive, gets a thick inside edge past square leg for a single

75.5 Peterson to Lyon, no run, tossed up on off, Lyon gets across in defence

75.4 Peterson to Lyon, FOUR, more runs for Lyon, he gets well across and sweeps it in front of square for a boundary

75.3 Peterson to Starc, 1 run, pushed through by Peterson, Starc gets across and nudges it behind square for a single

75.2 Peterson to Starc, FOUR, fab shot, length ball on off, Starc gets across and swings it wide of mid-wicket for a boundary

75.1 Peterson to Starc, no run, flatter and on the pads, Starc looks to flick and misses, the ball rolls off the pads towards the onside

74.6 Morne Morkel to Lyon, no run, full and wide outside off, Lyon looks to drive and misses

74.5 Morne Morkel to Starc, 3 runs, the top-edge falls in no man's lad! Morne keeps it short, Starc went for the pull, gets a fat top edge, the ball drops behind the square leg umpire and the batsmen sttle for thrrr runs

74.4 Morne Morkel to Starc, FOUR, fab shot, too short from Morne, Starc swivels across, rolls his wrists and pulls it over square leg for a boundary

74.3 Morne Morkel to Starc, no run, short of a length and rearing on Starc, he gets on top of the bounce and defends it towards gully

74.2 Morne Morkel to Starc, no run, Morne shortens his length on off, Starc gets across and defends it

74.1 Morne Morkel to Starc, no run, Morne comes from round the wicket and shapes this one back in, Starc gets across and defends it towards mid-on

73.6 Peterson to Lyon, no run, Peterson gives this one more air, Lyon gets forward and drives it towards cover

73.5 Peterson to Lyon, no run, flatter and outside off, Lyon gets forward and pushes it back towards the bowler

73.4 Peterson to Lyon, no run, full and on middle, Lyon gets forward and drives it to mid-on

73.3 Peterson to Lyon, 2 runs, Lyon repeats his shot again, there is a man in the deep now, keeps the batsmen down to a couple

73.2 Peterson to Lyon, FOUR, nicely down by Lyon, gets forward to a well tossed up ball, rolls his wrists and sweeps it behind square, no one in the deep, the ball races away to the fence

73.1 Peterson to Starc, 1 run, full and on the pads, Starc flicks it behind square for a single

72.6 Morne Morkel to Lyon, no run, too good for the No. 11. This was pitched up further and shapes away, Lyon gets across and has a poke at that, misses it completely

72.5 Morne Morkel to Lyon, no run, full and well outside off, Lyon went for the ambitious drive and misses

72.4 Morne Morkel to Lyon, no run, short of a length and angling down leg, Lyon gets inside the line and lets it go

72.3 Morne Morkel to Lyon, no run, full and way outside off, Lyon went chasing after that and misses

72.3 Morne Morkel to Lyon, wide, short and miles outside off, Lyon is happy to lets it go, wide called

72.2 Morne Morkel to Starc, 1 run, short and angling down the leg, Starc went for the pull, gets a glove on that, de Villiers ran behind but can't get to the ball, the batsmen change ends

72.1 Morne Morkel to Starc, no run, full and angling down the leg, Starc looks to flick and misses, de Villiers dives to his left and collects it cleanly

71.6 Peterson to Lyon, no run, tossed up on off and spinning away, Lyon is happy to let it go

71.5 Peterson to Lyon, no run, pushed through on off, Lyon gets across in defence

71.4 Peterson to Starc, 1 run, low full toss from Peterson, Starc swings it to deep mid-wicket for a single

71.3 Peterson to Starc, SIX, close but six, this was well flighted by Peterson, Starc gets forward, clears his left leg and swings it flat and hard, just about has enough legs to clear Petersen at long on, another maximum for Starc

71.2 Peterson to Starc, no run, full and just outside off, driven back towards the bowler

71.1 Peterson to Starc, SIX, Starc is having some fun, this was well tossed up on off, Starc gets forward and lifts it back over the bowler's head, clears the man at long on with ease

70.6 Morne Morkel to Lyon, no run, fuller length delivery outside off and angling away, Lyon does not need to play those, left alone

70.5 Morne Morkel to Lyon, no run, tad fuller and just outside off, Lyon gets forward and drives it towards short cover

70.4 Morne Morkel to Lyon, no run, on a length outside off and shaping away, left alone

70.3 Morne Morkel to Lyon, no run, short of a length delivery outside off and holding its line, left alone

Nathan Lyon, right handed bat, comes to the crease

70.2 Morne Morkel to Hastings, out Caught by Graeme Smith!! Smith shows how it is done. This was full and outside off, shapes away slightly, the sucker ball from Morne, Hastings went chasing after that, gets a thick outside edge that is swallowed by the bucket hands of Smith at 1st slip, 4th catch of the innings for the skipper. Hastings c Graeme Smith b Morne Morkel 20(30) [4s-1 6s-2]

Morne Morkel to Hastings, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

70.1 Morne Morkel to Starc, 1 run, Morkel has dropped a dolly, this was as simple as it comes, short of a length and rearing on Starc, he prods forward and chips it to the left of the bowler, lazy effort form Morne Morkel, he puts his left hand at that and drops a clanger

Morne Morkel [13.0-2-47-1] is back into the attack

69.6 Peterson to Hastings, FOUR, Hastings is dealing in boundaries at the moment, this was full and outside off, Hastings gets forward and thumps it back over the head of Peterson, the man at long off is square as the ball races away to the fence

69.5 Peterson to Starc, 1 run, quicker and on off, Starc stays back and works it wide of mid-wicket for a single

69.4 Peterson to Hastings, 1 run, short and outside off, Hastings leans back and caresses it in front of point for a single

69.3 Peterson to Hastings, no run, tossed up on off, Hastings gets across and punches it towards cover point

69.2 Peterson to Starc, 1 run, flatter and on the pads, tucked wide of mid-wicket for a single

69.1 Peterson to Starc, FOUR, uppish but safe! This was well tossed up by Peterson, Starc reaches forward and drills it up and over the bowler and to the left of mid-off for a boundary

68.6 Philander to Hastings, no run, tad fuller and holding its line on off, Hastings gets across and defends it

Problem with the ball. Amla hands it over to the umpire who has a look and is satisfied for the moment

68.5 Philander to Hastings, no run, on a length outside off and holding its line, Hastings gets across in defence

68.4 Philander to Hastings, no run, full ball and just outside off, Hastings gets well forward and defends it towards cover

68.3 Philander to Starc, 1 run, good stop from Petersen, this was pitched up and just outside off, Starc gets forward and cuts it on the ground and to the left of Petersen at gully, he dives across and saves some runs

The first six from Hastings was measured at 113 metres

68.2 Philander to Starc, no run, Philander keeps this one full and on off, Starc gets across and punches it back towards the bowler

68.1 Philander to Starc, no run, fuller length delivery outside off and shaping away, left alone

67.6 Peterson to Hastings, SIX, another hefty blow from Hastings, this was flatter and sails all the way to the crowd. Peterson came from round the wicket and drifts this one on off, Hastings shimmies down the track, gets to the pitch of the ball and lifts it over long on for a maximum

67.5 Peterson to Starc, 1 run, flatter and on the pads, Starc flicks it uppishly past Amla at short leg for a single

67.4 Peterson to Starc, no run, tossed up on off, Starc gets across and defends it back towards the bowler

Back to over the wicket

67.3 Peterson to Starc, FOUR, Starc uses the long handle to good effect, gets a good stride forward and heaves a well flighted ball over mid-wicket, a couple of bounces and over the fence

67.2 Peterson to Hastings, 1 run, flatter and outside off, Hastings stays back and punches it to long off for a single

The ball has been lost amongst the crowd. Ah! It has been found and retrieved back to the bowler

67.1 Peterson to Hastings, SIX, that is massive! Hastings has launched this into the second tier of the stadium. This was well tossed up by Peterson, invites Hastings to have a go at that, he shimmies down the track, gets to the pitch of the ball and launches it way over long on

66.6 Philander to Starc, no run, on a length around off, Starc gets across and defends it back towards the bowler, ends a successful over from Philander

Mitchell Starc, left handed bat, comes to the crease

66.5 Philander to Mitchell Johnson, out Caught by de Villiers!! The eight wicket is down and South Africa are more closer towards victory. Excellent bowling by Philander, pitches this one just outside off and gets it to angle back in, Johnson stays rooted to his crease as he pushes at that, gets an audible nick through to the keeper. No doubts about that one, Johnson marches off. Mitchell Johnson c de Villiers b Philander 3(13)

Philander to Mitchell Johnson, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

66.4 Philander to Mitchell Johnson, no run, fuller length delivery outside off and holding its line, Johnson covers the line, lifts his bat and lets it go

66.3 Philander to Mitchell Johnson, no run, Philander shortens his length on off, Johnson stays back and punches it towards mid-off

66.2 Philander to Mitchell Johnson, no run, full and just outside off, Johnson gets forward and punches it back towards the bowler

66.1 Philander to Mitchell Johnson, no run, on a length around off, Johnson gets across and pushes it towards the onside

65.6 Peterson to Hastings, no run, tossed up on off, Hastings gets forward and blocks

65.5 Peterson to Hastings, no run, almost bowled! That one almost cleaned up Hastings, this was pushed through quicker and just outside off, Hastings presses forward, plays for the non existent spin and creates a big gap between bat and pad, the ball whizzes past the off-stump

65.4 Peterson to Hastings, no run, slower through the air and on off, Hastings gets well forward in defence

65.3 Peterson to Hastings, no run, Peterson gives this one more air, driven towards mid-on

65.2 Peterson to Hastings, no run, tossed up on off, Hastings gets well forward in defence

65.1 Peterson to Hastings, no run, flighted and on the pads, tucked towards mid-wicket

Two slips and a short leg in place

64.6 Philander to Mitchell Johnson, no run, on a good length and nipping back in, Johnson gets across and pushes it back towards the bowler

64.5 Philander to Mitchell Johnson, no run, tad fuller and holding its line just outside the line of off, Johnson stays rooted to the crease and flashes at that, misses

64.4 Philander to Mitchell Johnson, no run, short of a length and just outside off, Johnson stands tall and gets an inside edge back towards the bowler

64.3 Philander to Mitchell Johnson, no run, fuller length delivery outside off and holding its line, left alone

64.1 Philander to Mitchell Johnson, no run, on a length and just outside off, Johnson gets across and defends it towards the off-side

It is only a matter of time now for South Africa. Peterson and Steyn were the wreckers-in-chief for South Africa as they tore through the middle order. Peterson snapped up Clarke with a wonderful delivery while Steyn sent back Michael Hussey. Peterson compounded Australia's woes further when he sent back the last recognized batsman in Matthew Wade. Join us in 20 minutes for the conclusion of this match.

Welcome back to what should be the final session of the Test match

63.6 Peterson to Hastings, no run, flighted delivery outside off, Hastings dabs it to point and that will be Tea

63.5 Peterson to Hastings, no run, loopy delivery just outside off, Hastings smothers it to the off side

63.4 Peterson to Hastings, no run, this delivery straightens just outside off, Hastings toe-ends the drive to mid off

63.3 Peterson to Hastings, no run, tossed up delivery and drifting in a touch on the off stump, Hastings defends it off the front foot

63.1 Peterson to Mitchell Johnson, 1 run, tossed up delivery just outside off, Johnson gets forward and drives it wide of Elgar at mid off, he cleverly slides and the fielder backing up keeps it down to a single

62.6 Steyn to Hastings, no run, short of a good length ball just outside off, Hastings gets behind the line and blocks it to short cover

62.5 Steyn to Hastings, no run, in the air but safe, this is an accurate bouncer just outside off, Hastings has to fend at it but the ball lands safely at point

62.4 Steyn to Hastings, no run, full and straight delivery on the stumps, Hastings defends it solidly

62.3 Steyn to Hastings, no run, back of a length delivery just outside off, Hastings punches it to mid off

62.3 Steyn to Hastings, wide, a pacy bouncer outside off, Hastings ducks under it but it is too high and wide is signalled

62.2 Steyn to Hastings, 2 runs, short of length ball outside off, Hastings stays back on the crease and punches it on the up to deep extra cover for a couple

62.1 Steyn to Hastings, no run, good length ball but he slides it down the leg side, Hastings misses with the leg glance and de Villiers collects it

61.6 Peterson to Mitchell Johnson, 2 runs, quicker ball that skids straight on outside off, Johnson pokes at it and the ball rolls to square third man for a couple

Mitchell Johnson, left handed bat, comes to the crease

61.5 Peterson to Wade, out Caught by Graeme Smith!! This is wonderful bowling from Peterson. He tosses this delivery up with a bit more air outside off, Wade charges down the track but gets beaten in the flight, it breaks back in from the rough and Wade drags the slog, Smith at short mid wicket takes a sharp,low catch. Wade c Graeme Smith b Peterson 10(12) [4s-2]

Peterson to Wade, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

61.4 Peterson to Wade, no run, quicker ball and close to the off stump, Wade defends it

61.3 Peterson to Wade, no run, full and flatter delivery just outside off, pushed to point

61.2 Peterson to Wade, no run, tossed up delivery just outside off, Wade gets forward and dabs it to the off side

61.1 Peterson to Wade, no run, flatter delivery and breaking back in from the rough just outside off, Wade lets it go

60.6 Steyn to Hastings, no run, back of a length delivery and wide outside off, Hastings chops it to point

60.5 Steyn to Hastings, no run, short of length ball just on the off stump, Hastings defends it to short extra cover

60.4 Steyn to Hastings, no run, good length ball on middle and off, Hastings defends it

John Hastings, right handed bat, comes to the crease

60.3 Steyn to Michael Hussey, out Caught by de Villiers!! South Africa come closer to victory. Good length delivery and it holds its line outside off, Hussey is lured into the cover drive and he goes for it, gets an outside edge that is snapped up by de Villiers. Michael Hussey c de Villiers b Steyn 26(52) [4s-1]

Steyn to Michael Hussey, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

60.2 Steyn to Michael Hussey, no run, back of a length delivery just outside off, Hussey plays it late and looks to drop it to the off side, it almost rolls back onto the off stump but Hussey survives

60.1 Steyn to Michael Hussey, no run, good length ball slanted in just outside off, Hussey lets it go

59.6 Peterson to Wade, FOUR, confident start this from Wade, Peterson again drags this slightly short on the middle and leg stump, Wade goes right back and clubs the pull shot to the deep backward square leg fence

59.5 Peterson to Wade, no run, flighted delivery just outside off, driven to mid off as the fielder tumbles to his right to stop it

59.4 Peterson to Wade, no run, flighted delivery and given a bit more air outside off, it spins in a touch but Wade gets forward and lets it go

59.3 Peterson to Wade, 2 runs, this delivery shoots through from a short of length, Wade is camped back and he short-arm swats it to deep backward square leg for a couple

59.2 Peterson to Wade, no run, flatter ball on the middle and leg stump, nurdled to Amla at short leg

59.1 Peterson to Wade, FOUR, Peterson drags it short outside off, Wade rocks back and pummells it hard to the sweeper cover fence

58.1 Steyn to Michael Hussey, no run, good length ball and angled in from well wide of the crease outside off, Hussey does not play at it

Dale Steyn [16.0-4-48-1] is back into the attack

57.6 Peterson to Wade, no run, flighted delivery just outside off, Wade defends it to the off side

Matthew Wade, left handed bat, comes to the crease

57.5 Peterson to Michael Clarke, out Stumped!! That is a massive wicket. It was beautifully bowled by Peterson. He stays round the wicket for the right hander and gives this flighted delivery a bit more loop, Clarke charges down the track and looks to heave it over mid wicket, the ball hits the edge of the footmark and grips the surface as it spins away, de Villiers whips the bails off to catch Clarke well short of the crease. Michael Clarke st de Villiers b Peterson 44(52) [4s-8]

57.3 Peterson to Michael Hussey, 3 runs, flatter delivery and it skids through outside off, Hussey stabs at it and gets an outside edge that just goes past first slip, it rolls to third man where de Villiers gives chase and pulls it back just inside the ropes

57.2 Peterson to Michael Hussey, no run, flighted delivery and drifting away a touch just outside off, pushed back to the bowler

57.1 Peterson to Michael Hussey, no run, tossed up delivery and it dips on Hussey, he skips down the track and whips it to short mid wicket

56.6 Elgar to Michael Clarke, no run, flatter delivery just outside off, Clarke shimmies down the track and eases it to mid on

56.5 Elgar to Michael Clarke, no run, flighted delivery outside off, drilled down to mid off

56.4 Elgar to Michael Clarke, no run, tossed up delivery just outside off, driven back to the bowler

56.3 Elgar to Michael Clarke, FOUR, Elgar is not third time lucky though, he dishes out a gentle full toss on the stumps, Clarke takes it on the full and thwacks it to the deep mid wicket fence

56.2 Elgar to Michael Clarke, no run, this full toss dips on Clarke, he swats it again to short mid wicket but cannot get it past the fielder

56.1 Elgar to Michael Clarke, no run, a slow and loopy full toss on the middle and leg stump, Clarke is surprised by that and he pats it to short mid wicket

Dean Elgar, left-arm orthodox, comes into the attack

55.6 Peterson to Michael Hussey, no run, this delivery kicks up from a good length and spins back in, Hussey goes back and nudges it to the leg side

55.5 Peterson to Michael Hussey, FOUR, now Peterson drags it short and wide outside off, Hussey rocks back and crashes it to the deep extra cover fence, Hussey becomes the 13th Australian player to go past 6000 runs in Tests, super effort

55.4 Peterson to Michael Hussey, no run, full and loopy delivery just outside off, it curls away as Hussey drives it back to the bowler, Peterson flings it back to Hussey and the ball hits him on the elbow, Peterson apologizes

55.3 Peterson to Michael Hussey, no run, flighted delivery just outside off, Hussey now advances down the track and gets the bat close to the pad to smother it to the ground

55.2 Peterson to Michael Clarke, 1 run, tossed up delivery outside off, Clarke dances down the track and drives it crisply to mid off, but Petersen is alert and he slides to his left to prevent the boundary

55.1 Peterson to Michael Hussey, 1 run, flatter delivery and it zips through outside off, Hussey pushes it to short third man off the back foot

54.6 Morne Morkel to Michael Hussey, 3 runs, this is top batting from Hussey, Morne switches to over the wicket and angles a full ball outside off, Hussey leans onto the front foot and caresses the drive to deep extra cover for another three runs

54.5 Morne Morkel to Michael Clarke, 1 run, good length ball but a bit too straight on the middle and leg stump, Clarke clips it to mid wicket

54.4 Morne Morkel to Michael Hussey, 1 run, back of a length delivery slanted in just outside off, Hussey gets the bat close to the pad and gets an inside edge that rolls to square leg

54.3 Morne Morkel to Michael Clarke, 3 runs, once again Morne loses his line and length, too full and on the pads, Clarke whippily clips it to deep backward square leg, Philander runs to his left and stops it with his boot but he cannot stop the batsman from taking three runs

54.2 Morne Morkel to Michael Clarke, no run, dangerous leave from Clarke, back of a length delivery angled in outside off and it darts back in slightly, Clarke seems to know where his off stump is and he leaves it

54.1 Morne Morkel to Michael Hussey, 3 runs, Hussey decides to counter-attack against Morne, short ball outside off, Hussey has to fetch the pull from well outside off stump and he clouts it to deep mid wicket, but the timing is not all that great and another three runs is the result

53.6 Peterson to Michael Clarke, no run, tossed up delivery and drifting away outside off, Clarke drives it to short cover

53.5 Peterson to Michael Clarke, no run, in the air but safe, Peterson is disappointed with Petersen, flighted delivery and it dips on Clarke just outside off, he charges down the track and almost gets beaten in the flight, he miscues the lofted shot and Petersen at mid off is late in reacting to it, the ball falls safely just in front of him

53.4 Peterson to Michael Clarke, FOUR, Clarke is in supreme touch here, flighted delivery but a bit too full just outside off, Clarke bends the back leg and drags the slog sweep to the deep mid wicket fence

53.3 Peterson to Michael Clarke, FOUR, awesome batting this from the Australian skipper, flighted delivery just outside off, Clarke advances down the track and whips it to the deep mid wicket fence

53.2 Peterson to Michael Clarke, no run, tossed up delivery just outside off, Clarke jabs it to silly point

53.1 Peterson to Michael Hussey, 3 runs, Peterson drags this delivery short and it spins back in, Hussey gets into a good position and pulls it to long leg, he did not hit it with all that power and three runs is the result

52.6 Morne Morkel to Michael Clarke, no run, short ball but it is a bit wide of the off stump, Clarke drops his wrists and leaves it

52.5 Morne Morkel to Michael Hussey, 1 run, good length ball just outside off, Hussey gets forward and knocks it to cover point

52.4 Morne Morkel to Michael Hussey, no run, good length ball in the zone outside off, Hussey leaves it

52.3 Morne Morkel to Michael Hussey, no run, short of length ball just outside off, Hussey stays back and dabs it to the off side

52.2 Morne Morkel to Michael Hussey, no run, a bumper from Morne on the stumps, Hussey ducks under

52.1 Morne Morkel to Michael Hussey, no run, good length ball around the off stump, Hussey does not play at it

51.6 Peterson to Michael Clarke, no run, flighted delivery and given a lot more loop on the off stump, Clarke pushes it back to the bowler

51.5 Peterson to Michael Clarke, no run, Clarke gets a long stride forward as he pads it away to the off side

51.4 Peterson to Michael Clarke, no run, drifting in on the middle and leg stump, Clarke clips it to mid on

51.3 Peterson to Michael Clarke, no run, loopy delivery just outside off, Clarke charges down the track and gets the bat close to the pad to smother it to the off side

51.2 Peterson to Michael Clarke, no run, quicker ball pushed through on the middle and leg stump, Clarke defends it

51.1 Peterson to Michael Clarke, no run, Peterson tosses this delivery up and it spins away outside off, Clarke goes back and leaves it

Drinks are on the field. This is still a good pitch to bat on. Ed Cowan fell into the trap set by the South Africans while Michael Clarke has looked in wonderful touch. Michael Hussey is looking solid at the other end.

50.6 Morne Morkel to Michael Hussey, no run, good length ball and honing in around the off stump line, Hussey leaves it diligently

50.5 Morne Morkel to Michael Hussey, no run, back of a length delivery and on the off stump line, Hussey pats it to short cover

50.4 Morne Morkel to Michael Hussey, no run, good length ball but wide outside off, Hussey does not play at it

50.3 Morne Morkel to Michael Hussey, no run, short of length ball on leg stump, Hussey looks to tuck it to the leg side but cannot get it past the fielder stationed at the unconventional short leg position

50.2 Morne Morkel to Michael Hussey, no run, good length ball in the channel outside off, Hussey lets it go

50.1 Morne Morkel to Michael Clarke, 1 run, brilliant fielding from Elgar, short of length ball outside off, Clarke stays back and flays the cut to cover, Elgar flings himself goalkeeper style to his right and keeps it down to just a single

49.6 Peterson to Michael Hussey, no run, this delivery kicks up a bit outside off, Hussey jabs it down to point

49.5 Peterson to Michael Hussey, no run, slightly short just outside off, Hussey whips it to mid wicket off the back foot

49.4 Peterson to Michael Clarke, 1 run, flatter delivery and breaking away just outside off, Clarke gets forward and stabs at it and the ball rolls to short third man off the outside edge

49.3 Peterson to Michael Hussey, 3 runs, once again Peterson gets this delivery to drift in on leg stump, Hussey shimmies down the track and flicks it a tad uppishly past short mid wicket, it rolls to the deep for three runs

49.2 Peterson to Michael Hussey, no run, drifting in on the middle and leg stump, Hussey clips it to mid wicket

49.1 Peterson to Michael Hussey, no run, loopy delivery just outside off, Hussey charges down the track and clips it to short mid wicket

48.6 Morne Morkel to Michael Clarke, no run, once again Morne bowls it full and on the pads, this time Clarke falls over as he attempts the flick and gets hit on the front pad

48.5 Morne Morkel to Michael Clarke, FOUR, majestically done by Clarke, good length ball and just around the off stump, Clarke gets forward and leans into the stroke as he creams it to the long on fence

48.4 Morne Morkel to Michael Clarke, FOUR, poor ball from Morne, full ball but on the pads, Clarke uses the pace and flicks it easily to the fine leg fence

48.3 Morne Morkel to Michael Clarke, no run, short of length ball in the zone just outside off, Clarke shoulders arms

48.2 Morne Morkel to Michael Clarke, no run, short ball just outside off, Clarke yanks his head back and leaves it

48.1 Morne Morkel to Michael Hussey, 1 run, fuller length ball just outside off, Hussey knocks it to point and takes off for a risky single, Elgar runs in quickly but fails to collect it, Clarke would have been struggling had Elgar picked it up cleanly

47.6 Peterson to Michael Clarke, no run, flatter delivery just outside off, Clarke gets forward and clips it to short mid wicket where the fielder tumbles to his right to parry it back to the bowler

47.5 Peterson to Michael Hussey, 1 run, full and quick ball just outside off, Hussey shimmies down the track and drills it to mid off

47.4 Peterson to Michael Hussey, no run, Hussey now skips down the track and whips this flighted delivery to shortish mid wicket

47.3 Peterson to Michael Clarke, 1 run, Clarke sashays down the track and takes this delivery on the full to drive it to mid on

47.2 Peterson to Michael Clarke, no run, tossed up delivery just outside off, Clarke charges down the track and square drives it to point but he cannot get it past the fielder

47.1 Peterson to Michael Clarke, no run, a low dipping full toss angled in on the middle and leg stump, Clarke reaches forward and bunts it to mid on

Robin Peterson [5.0-0-28-1] is back into the attack

46.6 Morne Morkel to Michael Hussey, no run, short ball but it is not close to the off stump, Hussey drops his wrists and leaves it

46.5 Morne Morkel to Michael Hussey, no run, good length delivery just outside off, Hussey gets the bat close to the pad and tries to defend, the ball hits the pad first and then the bat as Morne appeals for an LBW, but the impact was outside the line of off stump and so they do no opt for the review

46.3 Morne Morkel to Michael Hussey, no run, good length ball angled in on the off stump and it kicks up a touch, Hussey angles the bat slightly and the ball goes on the bounce to gully off the outside edge

In 10 Tests, Morne Morkel has dismissed Michael Hussey 8 times. He really has the mojo over Mr. Cricket here.

46.2 Morne Morkel to Michael Hussey, no run, fuller length ball and in the channel outside off, left alone by Hussey

46.1 Morne Morkel to Michael Hussey, no run, Morne starts off with a short delivery but it is slightly down the leg side, Hussey bends under it

Morne Morkel [8.0-1-25-1] is back into the attack

45.6 Philander to Michael Clarke, FOUR, confident end to the over, length ball and in the slot outside off, Clarke presents the full face of the bat and smokes it past the mid on fielder and it goes away to the fence

45.5 Philander to Michael Clarke, no run, back of a length delivery just outside off, punched to mid off

45.4 Philander to Michael Clarke, no run, short of length ball just outside off, dabbed to short cover

45.3 Philander to Michael Clarke, no run, this is top-class stuff from Philander, good length ball and it jags away again late, Clarke plays inside the line of the delivery and gets beaten again

45.2 Philander to Michael Clarke, no run, cracking delivery from Philander, slightly fuller just outside off and it nips away, Clarke lunges forward and looks to push it down the ground and the ball whizzes past the edge

45.1 Philander to Michael Clarke, no run, edged but safe, good length ball and straightening a touch just outside off, Clarke pokes at it softly and luckily for him, the outside edge lands just in front of the fielder at second slip

44.6 Steyn to Michael Hussey, no run, third short ball in the over and Hussey ducks under that one as well

44.5 Steyn to Michael Hussey, no run, another bumper banged in on the stumps, Hussey ducks under

44.3 Steyn to Michael Hussey, no run, short ball darted in on the stumps, Hussey drops his wrists and arches back to leave it

44.2 Steyn to Michael Hussey, 2 runs, fuller length ball in the zone just outside off, Hussey gets forward and pushes it to deep backward point to get off the mark

44.1 Steyn to Michael Hussey, no run, good length ball speared in close to the off stump, Hussey lets it go

43.6 Philander to Michael Clarke, no run, shortish delivery and it kicks up nicely, Clarke is nicely behind the line and he drops it to the off side

43.5 Philander to Michael Clarke, no run, short ball and it goes high over Clarke's head, he sways out of the way, it was quite high and a wide should have been signalled, but the umpire signals one bouncer for the over

43.4 Philander to Michael Clarke, no run, short of length ball angled in on the middle and leg stump and it straightens, Clarke gets slightly squared up but he manages to defend it back to the bowler

Clarke is still getting some treatment here. He seems to be alright and he will continue to bat.

43.3 Philander to Michael Clarke, no run, OUCH! Clarke is down on his knees. The ball hit him hard on the unmentionables. Back of a length delivery and it darts back in sharply, Clarke plays inside the line of the delivery and it hits him flush on the box, he is in pain and getting some treatment, when you get hit in that position, it knocks the wind out of you

43.2 Philander to Michael Clarke, no run, Philander keeps it on a length and it goes dead-arrow straight on the off stump, Clarke pushes it back to the bowler

43.1 Philander to Michael Clarke, no run, good length ball and straight just outside off, Clarke solidly blocks it

42.6 Steyn to Michael Hussey, no run, good length ball just outside off, Hussey pats it to short cover

Michael Hussey, left handed bat, comes to the crease

42.5 Steyn to Ed Cowan, out Caught by Elgar!! Cowan has fallen into the trap here. There were two men stationed out deep on the leg side and Cowan has picked one of them to perfection. It was a short ball bowled from round the wicket by Steyn and it rears up, Cowan goes for the hook shot but fails to control it properly, he mistimes it to deep backward square leg where Elgar takes the catch, Steyn is all pumped up. Ed Cowan c Elgar b Steyn 53(149) [4s-5 6s-1]

Steyn to Ed Cowan, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

Cowan is GONE!

42.4 Steyn to Ed Cowan, no run, fuller length ball and curving back in a touch on the middle and leg stump, Cowan covers the line and pushes it to mid on

42.3 Steyn to Ed Cowan, no run, back of a length delivery just outside off, Cowan defends it

42.2 Steyn to Ed Cowan, 4 runs, superb way to get to his 4th Test fifty after a first ball duck in the first innings, full ball and Steyn gives some width outside off, Cowan comes on the frontfoot and laces the square drive to deep point, he has not timed it well and the fielder dives forward to pull it back in, but they run four runs, gritty knock this from Cowan

42.1 Steyn to Ed Cowan, no run, full ball and slanted in from wide of the crease, Cowan lets it go

41.6 Philander to Ed Cowan, 1 run, Philander spears this delivery in a bit too straight on leg stump, Cowan works it to fine leg

41.5 Philander to Ed Cowan, no run, short of a good length ball and keeping it tight on the off stump, Cowan taps it to the leg side

41.4 Philander to Ed Cowan, no run, back of a length delivery just outside off, Cowan watches it carefully and defends it to mid off

41.3 Philander to Ed Cowan, no run, short ball on the stumps, Cowan ducks under

41.2 Philander to Ed Cowan, 2 runs, full ball and curling back in a touch, Cowan presents the full face of the bat as he drives it into the gap at deep mid wicket for a couple

41.1 Philander to Ed Cowan, no run, angled in full on the off stump and the delivery holds its line slightly, Cowan gets forward and pushes at it, gets an outside edge that rolls along the mat to gully

40.6 Steyn to Ed Cowan, 1 run, fuller in length and a bit closer to the off stump, Cowan gets forward and pushes it to cover point

40.5 Steyn to Ed Cowan, no run, pitched up but not that close to the off stump, Cowan decides to let that one go

40.4 Steyn to Ed Cowan, no run, probing away and keeping it tight on the off stump corridor, Cowan does not play at it

40.3 Steyn to Ed Cowan, no run, length delivery in the zone outside off, left alone by Cowan

40.2 Steyn to Michael Clarke, 3 runs, this delivery bends back in a touch from just outside off, Clarke plants his front foot across and clips it to the vacant spaces at deep mid wicket, Morne Morkel gives chase and restricts them to three runs

40.1 Steyn to Michael Clarke, no run, back of a length delivery and keeping it on the middle and off stump line, Clarke defends it to short leg

39.5 Philander to Ed Cowan, no run, Philander keeps it full and straight just outside off, Cowan blocks it back to the bowler

39.4 Philander to Ed Cowan, no run, full and straight delivery that zips through on middle, Cowan is solid in defence

39.3 Philander to Ed Cowan, no run, pitched up and on off stump, Cowan presents the full face of the bat and drives it to mid on

39.2 Philander to Ed Cowan, no run, good length ball angled in from round the wicket just outside off, Cowan gets forward and defends it

39.1 Philander to Michael Clarke, 1 run, loose start for Philander, short of length ball on leg stump, Clarke tucks it to fine leg and runs hard for the second run, but Cowan is just jogging along and he fails to respond, Clarke apologizes for the lax running

Vernon Philander [13.0-5-24-1] is back into the attack

38.6 Steyn to Ed Cowan, no run, fuller length ball and just around the off stump line, Cowan gets forward and solidly defends it

38.5 Steyn to Ed Cowan, FOUR, BAM! Another one disappears. Steyn drags this very short outside off, Cowan stays on the front foot and clouts the pull to the deep mid wicket fence

38.4 Steyn to Ed Cowan, FOUR, confident start for Cowan in this session, Steyn drags this slightly short outside off, Cowan waits for it a touch and uses the pace to back cut it to the square third man fence

38.3 Steyn to Ed Cowan, no run, pitched up and close to the off stump, Cowan gets forward and defends it solidly back to the bowler

38.2 Steyn to Ed Cowan, no run, fuller length ball and slightly wide of the off stump, Cowan leaves it

38.1 Steyn to Ed Cowan, no run, Steyn comes round the wicket and slants in a good length ball outside off, Cowan lets it go

Welcome back to the second session. It is quiet a surreal atmosphere out there with the departure of Ricky Ponting. The crowd are very muted at Perth. Dale Steyn will start off proceedings. Two slips and a gully in place.

South Africa are still well and truly on top. The bowling had been of the highest class throughout the session and the pressure was never let off. Cowan was scratchy at the start but has hung in there and looks determined to stay on. The next session promises to be a cracking one with Clarke taking on Steyn and co. Join us for that in about forty minutes from now.

Quite a dramatic end to the session. A legend bid his final goodbye. The South Africans re-iterated why many people believe Cricket is still a gentleman's game. Clarke, in the space of two balls, told a story of his form and his intent.

37.6 Peterson to Michael Clarke, FOUR, that is showing some intent. Clarke dances down the track now to loft it straight down the ground for a boundary. That will be lunch on day four.

37.5 Peterson to Michael Clarke, FOUR, floated up outside off, Clarke dances down and drives it sweetly through extra cover for a boundary

Michael Clarke, right handed bat, comes to the crease

Everyone from South Africa came over to shake hands with Ponting as he walked off. He goes near the boundary before turning back to acknowledge the warm appreciation from the crowd. Thanks Ricky, shouted a lot of people from the crowd as he walked off.

37.4 Peterson to Ponting, out Caught by Kallis!! Ponting walks back a very disappointed man but what a moment this is for Peterson. He gets some extra bounce and turn outside off. Ponting pushes out and gets a thick outside edge that flies sharply to the right of Kallis but the big man takes it with both hands, making it look extremely simple. Ponting c Kallis b Peterson 8(23) [4s-2]

Peterson to Ponting, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

37.3 Peterson to Ed Cowan, 1 run, turning in on the leg, Cowan turns it behind square on the onside for an easy single

37.2 Peterson to Ed Cowan, FOUR, slightly short now and outside off, Cowan gets right back to cut it hard square on the offside for a boundary

37.1 Peterson to Ed Cowan, no run, slow turn in, Cowan gets right behind to turn it to square leg

Robin Peterson [4.0-0-15-0] is back into the attack

36.6 Steyn to Ponting, no run, shaping away but just outside off, Ponting gets behind the line to block it well. The crowd seems to have loved this little battle and clap in appreciation.

36.5 Steyn to Ponting, no run, on a good length and in the corridor of uncertainty again, Ponting is not tempted to offer a shot this time either

36.4 Steyn to Ponting, no run, pitched up and well outside off, Ponting lunges out and lifts the bat over his head

36.3 Steyn to Ponting, no run, shaping away and very close to the off stump, Ponting watches it well and leaves

36.2 Steyn to Ponting, no run, pacy and just outside off, Ponting goes right behind to chop it on the offside

36.1 Steyn to Ponting, no run, good length and outside off, Ponting punches it to cover

35.6 Philander to Ed Cowan, no run, on the off again, Cowan gets right behind the line to block it well

35.5 Philander to Ed Cowan, no run, banged in short and outside off, Cowan sways away from the line

35.4 Philander to Ed Cowan, no run, slanted in, Cowan stands up tall and pushes it to mid wicket

35.3 Philander to Ed Cowan, no run, angled in, Cowan presses forward to defend it well

35.3 Philander to Ed Cowan, no run, angled in, Cowan presses forward to defend it well

35.2 Philander to Ed Cowan, no run, outside off again, Cowan does not offer a shot once more

35.1 Philander to Ed Cowan, no run, on a good length and just outside off, Cowan taps it to cover

34.6 Steyn to Ponting, no run, on a good length and outside off now, Ponting lifts the bat over his head

34.5 Steyn to Ponting, FOUR, very full and slanted in from Steyn. Ponting drives it firmly to mid on and Morne Morkel falls over it and misses completely. That gets Ponting his 2nd boundary. Both have been very good shots.

34.4 Steyn to Ponting, no run, pitched up and just outside off, Ponting gets right forward to punch it to cover

34.3 Steyn to Ponting, no run, Steyn keeps it full again but slides down the legside

34.2 Steyn to Ponting, no run, on a good length and on the middle and leg, Ponting taps it gently on the onside

34.1 Steyn to Ponting, no run, Steyn starts off with an absolute ripper. It was angled in, pitches on middle and off before swerving away. It squares Ponting up completely and beats him

Dale Steyn [10.0-3-26-0] is back into the attack

33.6 Philander to Ed Cowan, no run, on the off from round the wicket, Cowan plays it back to Philander

33.5 Philander to Ed Cowan, no run, full and well outside off, Cowan does not offer a shot

33.4 Philander to Ed Cowan, no run, slightly shorter this time and on the off, Cowan gets right behind to block it

33.3 Philander to Ed Cowan, no run, full again and just outside off from round the wicket, Cowan leans forward to defend again

33.2 Philander to Ed Cowan, no run, pitched up and outside off, Cowan pushes it back to Philander

33.1 Philander to Ed Cowan, no run, full and outside off, Cowan leans forward to push it firmly to mid off

South Africa have asked for the ball to be replaced and will get it too.

32.6 Morne Morkel to Ponting, no run, Morne Morkel ends the short delivery filled over with a full one. Ponting is up to it too and brings his bat down in time to push it down the track

32.5 Morne Morkel to Ponting, no run, back of a length again and well outside off, Ponting does not go after it

32.4 Morne Morkel to Ponting, no run, short of length again and directed into the ribs. Ponting is hit on the body before it lobs up wide of the keeper. Ed Cowan refuses the quick single.

32.3 Morne Morkel to Ponting, no run, another short one, pacier this time and Ponting decides to evade it wisely

32.2 Morne Morkel to Ponting, FOUR, That's vintage. What a way to get off the mark in your final innings. The signature pull shot now as Morne Morkel digs it in short. He has enough time to pull it well in front of square too. That gets the crowd going.

32.1 Morne Morkel to Ponting, no run, pitched up and on the off, Ponting drills it back to Morne Morkel

31.6 Philander to Ed Cowan, no run, angled in and close to the off stump. Cowan plays it back to Philander with a straight bat.

31.5 Philander to Ed Cowan, no run, on a good length now from outside off, Cowan gets right behind the line to block it well

31.4 Philander to Ed Cowan, no run, banged in short this time. Cowan tried out the pull but does not make contact. He is standing way out of his crease. This could just be Philander's way of asking him to step back.

31.3 Philander to Ed Cowan, no run, full and outside off, Cowan continues to leave

31.2 Philander to Ed Cowan, no run, on a good length and outside off, Cowan punches it to cover

31.1 Philander to Ed Cowan, no run, angled in from round the wicket, Cowan strides forward to block it well

Vernon Philander [10.0-2-24-1] is back into the attack

30.6 Morne Morkel to Ponting, no run, on a good length and just outside off, Ponting watches it well and shoulders arms

30.5 Morne Morkel to Ed Cowan, 1 run, short and on the hips, Cowan turns it down to fine leg for an easy single

30.4 Morne Morkel to Ed Cowan, no run, banged in short from round the wicket, Cowan ducks under quickly

30.3 Morne Morkel to Ed Cowan, no run, short of length and directed into the body. Cowan stands up tall to knock it down

30.2 Morne Morkel to Ed Cowan, no run, good length and closer to the off stump now. Cowan taps it in front of point

30.1 Morne Morkel to Ed Cowan, no run, good length and well outside off from round the wicket, Cowan does not offer a shot

29.6 Peterson to Ponting, no run, on the middle and leg, Ponting lunges out to push it down the track

29.5 Peterson to Ponting, no run, flat and sliding on outside off, Ponting punches it to cover again

29.4 Peterson to Ponting, no run, tossed up on the off, Ponting drives it firmly but straight to cover

29.3 Peterson to Ed Cowan, 1 run, flighted delivery again, Cowan punches it firmly to mid on and calls for a quick single. It could have been close had Alviro not fumbled.

29.2 Peterson to Ed Cowan, no run, tossed up outside off now, Cowan dances down to block it on the offside

29.1 Peterson to Ed Cowan, SIX, floated up and he ends up delivering a full toss. Cowan dances down and smokes it over the mid wicket fence

Ricky Ponting, right handed bat, comes to the crease

Ricky Ponting sprints out for his last Test innings. He is welcomed with a guard of honour by the South Africans! That's a real special moment right there. He takes strike after a quick handshake with Smith.

28.6 Morne Morkel to Shane Watson, out Caught by Graeme Smith!! Morne Morkel has worked Watson all over before bagging him. This is really top class bowling. Another short of length delivery, just outside off. Watson does not move his feet too much and gets a thick edge that Smith gobbles up at first slip.Shane Watson c Graeme Smith b Morne Morkel 25(46) [4s-4]

Morne Morkel to Shane Watson, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

28.5 Morne Morkel to Shane Watson, no run, a very well directed short delivery now. It was coming right at his face and Watson does well to get it out of the way just in time

28.4 Morne Morkel to Shane Watson, no run, Amla at short leg seemed firm that there was not bat and rightly so. The short of length delivery flicked Watson's shirt on the way to the keeper. No bat on it.

Very loud appeal for a caught behind turned down. South Africa don't go for the review.

28.3 Morne Morkel to Shane Watson, no run, short of length and well outside off, Watson leaves it with ease

28.2 Morne Morkel to Shane Watson, no run, pitched up and outside off, Watson punches it firmly to mid off

28.1 Morne Morkel to Shane Watson, no run, full and outside off, Watson blocks it on the offside

27.6 Peterson to Ed Cowan, no run, some drift away again but dragged short by Peterson. Cowan pulls it straight to the fielder at square leg

27.5 Peterson to Ed Cowan, no run, tossed up again, Cowan dances down and jams it back down the track

27.4 Peterson to Ed Cowan, no run, sliding on, Cowan gets back and taps it to short leg

27.3 Peterson to Ed Cowan, no run, floated up and outside off, Cowan lunges out to defend

27.2 Peterson to Shane Watson, 1 run, dragged a little short, Watson backs away and punches it wide of mid off for a quick single

27.1 Peterson to Ed Cowan, 1 run, Cowan turns this dangerously close to short leg. He came down the track too early and did not get to the pitch of the delivery but still turns it on the onside and fortunately for him it shoots through Amla's legs

26.6 Morne Morkel to Shane Watson, no run, on a good length and back to the outside off line now. Watson chops it in front of cover

26.5 Morne Morkel to Shane Watson, FOUR, excellent batting from Watson. Morne Morkel was trying to hit his pads and keeps it very full and straight. Watson gets the pads out of the way this time and brings the bat down just at the right time to send it screeching to the long on fence. Top shot.

26.4 Morne Morkel to Shane Watson, no run, a well directed short delivery now. Watson ducks under quickly

26.3 Morne Morkel to Shane Watson, no run, pitched up and outside off, Watson punches it down the track

26.2 Morne Morkel to Ed Cowan, 1 run, slanted in from round the wicket, Cowan turns it around to fine leg for just one

26.1 Morne Morkel to Shane Watson, 1 run, full and on the off, Watson leans forward to tap it in front of cover for a quick single

Drinks are on the field now. It has been a probing first hour. Cowan and Watson have been batting together for close to 13 overs now but still remain jittery. That's a testament to the consistent class the South African have displayed.

25.6 Peterson to Ed Cowan, no run, beautiful drift for Peterson now. It was given some air and had Cowan lunging outside off before going straight on and beating the outside edge. Top class bowling this from Peterson.

25.5 Peterson to Ed Cowan, no run, floated up again and straighter in line, Cowan has to defend

25.4 Peterson to Ed Cowan, no run, tossed up outside off, Cowan dances down to pick it on the full but does not get the drive past mid on

25.3 Peterson to Shane Watson, 1 run, sliding on now, Watson stays back and works it behind square on the onside for one

25.2 Peterson to Shane Watson, FOUR, Peterson errs in length now and delivers a low full toss. Easy pickings for Watson. He comes on the frontfoot and punches it firmly past Peterson

A silly point comes in now.

25.1 Peterson to Shane Watson, no run, slow through the air and well outside off, Watson has to really stretch forward to defend. Always good signs for a spin bowler.

24.6 Morne Morkel to Ed Cowan, no run, slanted in from round the wicket. Just short of length too. Cowan gets a thick inside edge onto his thigh

24.5 Morne Morkel to Ed Cowan, no run, on a good length and outside off, Cowan does not offer a shot

24.4 Morne Morkel to Ed Cowan, no run, banged in short from round the wicket, Cowan sways away from the line

24.3 Morne Morkel to Shane Watson, 1 run, full and on the leg, Watson eases it down to fine leg for one more

24.2 Morne Morkel to Shane Watson, FOUR, Watson is finding his feet now. This was short and outside off, Watson leans back and cuts it nicely over gully for a boundary. Top shot

24.1 Morne Morkel to Shane Watson, no run, good length and well outside off, Watson does not offer a shot

Morne Morkel [3.0-0-9-0] is back into the attack

23.6 Peterson to Ed Cowan, no run, floated up outside off from over the wicket to Cowan. He flicks it on the onside but it's stopped well by the man at short mid wicket

23.5 Peterson to Shane Watson, 1 run, floated up, Watson stretches out to push it wide of mid off

23.4 Peterson to Shane Watson, no run, slow through the air and makes Watson lunge out again to defend

23.3 Peterson to Shane Watson, no run, tossed up invitingly but well outside off, Watson allows the keeper to take it

23.2 Peterson to Shane Watson, no run, pitched up and outside off, Watson comes on the frontfoot and punches it hard but it is stopped well at short cover

23.1 Peterson to Shane Watson, no run, floated up outside off, Watson lunges out to defend

Robin Peterson, left-arm orthodox, comes into the attack

Spin on early now. That comes as a bit of surprise. A slip and short leg in place for Peterson.

22.6 Steyn to Ed Cowan, no run, slanted across and well outside off, Cowan presses forward to defend it to mid off

22.5 Steyn to Ed Cowan, no run, short delivery from Steyn and Cowan sways away from the line

22.4 Steyn to Ed Cowan, FOUR, Cowan had been searching for a boundary for quite some time now. This should relieve some pressure. It was a low full toss from Steyn and Cowan punches it firmly past mid off

22.3 Steyn to Ed Cowan, no run, on a good length but still well outside off. Cowan does not offer a shot

22.2 Steyn to Ed Cowan, no run, Steyn goes full and well outside off now. Cowan is not tempted into going after it though

22.1 Steyn to Ed Cowan, no run, good short delivery from Steyn now and has Cowan scurrying for cover

21.6 Philander to Shane Watson, no run, straight again, Watson plays it solidly on the frontfoot towards mid on

21.5 Philander to Shane Watson, no run, full and straight, Watson gets his bat right in front of his pads to block once more

21.4 Philander to Shane Watson, no run, just outside off now. Watson watches it closely and dabs it back down the track

21.3 Philander to Shane Watson, no run, good length and very straight. Watson punches it to mid on

21.2 Philander to Shane Watson, no run, full and straight, Watson leans forward to defend it solidly

21.1 Philander to Shane Watson, no run, good length and very straight. Watson stands up tall to defend

20.6 Steyn to Ed Cowan, no run, slanted across now and well outside off, Cowan does not go after it

20.5 Steyn to Ed Cowan, no run, Steyn searches for swing but delivers a full toss instead. Cowan does not put it away and ends up hitting it straight to the fielder at cover

20.4 Steyn to Ed Cowan, no run, pitched up and outside off, Cowan leans forward to defend it solidly

20.3 Steyn to Ed Cowan, no run, slightly short but not short enough for the pull that Cowan was trying. He gets a thick inside edge onto his thigh

20.2 Steyn to Ed Cowan, no run, very full and outside off now. Cowan tries to jam it out but misses.

20.1 Steyn to Shane Watson, 3 runs, played uppishly but it lands safe. It was full and shaping away. Watson presses forward and drives it uppishly. It was in the air for quite some time unfortunately for Watson it does not go anywhere near the point fielder. Not very convincing though.

19.6 Philander to Ed Cowan, no run, good bowling and an even better leave from Cowan. It was in the corridor of uncertainty but Cowan knows exactly where his off stump is.

19.5 Philander to Ed Cowan, 2 runs, on the middle and leg now, Cowan turns it off his hips and wide of fine leg for a couple

19.4 Philander to Ed Cowan, no run, good length and very straight. Cowan pushes it to mid off

19.3 Philander to Ed Cowan, no run, very straight now. Cowan stands up tall and taps it to mid wicket

19.2 Philander to Ed Cowan, no run, on the leg now, Cowan misses the flick and is hit on the thigh

19.1 Philander to Ed Cowan, no run, good length and on the off. Cowan stands up tall to defend

18.6 Steyn to Ed Cowan, 1 run, Steyn does not move it in this time. IT was full and outside off. Cowan gets a good stride forward to push it past mid off for a quick single

A short leg comes in now. Good move to have him for Cowan with Steyn swinging it in.

18.5 Steyn to Ed Cowan, no run, pitched up and on the off now. Cowan presses forward again to defend but gets it right on the bottom of the bat

18.4 Steyn to Ed Cowan, no run, good length and just outside off once more. Cowan leaves this with a lot more assurity

18.3 Steyn to Ed Cowan, no run, this one holds its line outside off. Good bowling from Steyn. Cowan is not too sure which way it was going but watches it well and decides to leave late

18.2 Steyn to Ed Cowan, no run, full and swinging in again, Cowan presses forward and gets it in the inside half of the bat. No short leg in place thankfully for Cowan

18.1 Steyn to Ed Cowan, no run, some shape in for Steyn. It was dangerously close to the off stump but Cowan trusts the bounce and leave. He had the line covered too, getting his front leg outside off

17.3 Philander to Shane Watson, no run, good length and very straight, Watson gets his bat close to his pad to block

17.2 Philander to Ed Cowan, 1 run, on a good length and very straight, Ed Cowan turns it past short leg for an easy single

Cowan is standing well outside his crease.

17.1 Philander to Ed Cowan, no run, slanted across Cowan from over the wicket. He does not offer a shot

16.6 Steyn to Shane Watson, no run, further outside off now, Watson does not go after this one

16.5 Steyn to Shane Watson, FOUR, top shot from Watson. It was full and outside off, swinging away a tad too but Watson is able to lean forward and punch it firmly past mid off for his 1st boundary

16.4 Steyn to Shane Watson, no run, good length and on the off, Watson jams the bat into his pad as he blocks

16.3 Steyn to Shane Watson, no run, Steyn errs in line now and slides down the legside

16.2 Steyn to Shane Watson, no run, slanted in now, Shane Watson gets an inside edge onto his pads and it lobs up in the air right in front of him. Steyn races down the track but does not get there in time

16.1 Steyn to Shane Watson, no run, on the off, Shane Watson stands up tall to defend

15.6 Philander to Ed Cowan, no run, good length and on the off, Ed Cowan stands up tall to defend it on the offside

15.5 Philander to Ed Cowan, no run, probing line again outside off. Cowan does not offer a shot though

15.4 Philander to Ed Cowan, no run, straighter in line now. Cowan is squared up a bit and gets a soft leading edge towards point

15.3 Philander to Ed Cowan, no run, good line again. Very close to the off stump once more but Cowan leaves

15.1 Philander to Ed Cowan, no run, pitched up and on the off, Ed Cowan leans forward and defends it towards mid off

14.6 Steyn to Shane Watson, no run, shaping away but landing on off. Shane Watson stays behind and defends it watchfully. End of a good over from Steyn.

14.5 Steyn to Shane Watson, no run, Steyn goes past the bat now. This is superb bowling from Steyn. It pitches outside off but was full. Watson presses forward to defend but is done in by the late away movement

14.4 Steyn to Shane Watson, no run, very good line from Steyn, just outside off. Watson decides to leave

14.3 Steyn to Shane Watson, no run, pitched up and on the off, Shane Watson is late on the shot but manages to jam it down the track

14.2 Steyn to Shane Watson, no run, angled in now, Shane Watson presses forward and is hit high on the front pad

14.1 Steyn to Shane Watson, no run, some shape away and just outside off, Shane Watson leans forward and blocks it well

Dale Steyn [5.0-2-14-0] is back into the attack

13.6 Philander to Ed Cowan, no run, pitched up and outside off, Ed Cowan punches it to mid off.

13.5 Philander to Ed Cowan, FOUR, very full from Philander, Ed Cowan leans forward and punches it firmly down the ground. Mid off does not get across in time and Ed Cowan gets the first boundary of the morning

13.4 Philander to Ed Cowan, no run, full and on the off, Ed Cowan presses forward and defends it solidly

13.3 Philander to Shane Watson, 1 run, angled in and very straight, Shane Watson gets a thin inside edge onto his pads and ambles across for one

Shane Watson, right handed bat, comes to the crease

13.2 Philander to Warner, out Caught by Graeme Smith!! Just the kind of start that South Africa needed. This is very good bowling from Philander. He made Warner play this full delivery in the corridor of uncertainty. It nips away just a tad to take the outside edge and flies low to Smith, at first slip. He never drops any and Philander strikes the early blow. Warner c Graeme Smith b Philander 29(34) [4s-5]

Welcome one and all to day 4 of the final Test between Australia and South Africa from Perth. Ed Cowan and David Warner survived a tricky last hour yesterday and they will look to bat on today. It is all about hanging in there for the Australians as they look to bat out a massive six sessions either to win or draw this Test. The action is just about to start.

David Warner and Ed Cowan have survived this tricky session. Vernon Philander tested Cowan with some wonderful swing bowling. Warner struck some lusty blows. South Africa are still on top and with two days to go and it will require a monumental task to bat out the remaining two days. Join us tomorrow for the fourth day. Bye Bye.

12.6 Morne Morkel to Ed Cowan, no run, good length ball just around the off stump, Cowan knocks it to short cover and that will be stumps

12.5 Morne Morkel to Warner, 1 run, back of a length delivery around the off stump, Warner hops to the off side and nurdles it to shortish mid wicket

12.4 Morne Morkel to Ed Cowan, 1 run, full ball on the pads, Cowan leans into the stroke and flicks it to mid wicket

12.3 Morne Morkel to Ed Cowan, no run, short ball and going on with the angle, Cowan lifts his bat and lets it go

11.5 Steyn to Warner, no run, good length ball just outside off, Warner goes back and defends it

11.4 Steyn to Warner, FOUR, classy shot from Warner, short and sitting up nicely just outside off, Warner hops back a touch and short-arm pulls it to the deep mid wicket fence

11.3 Steyn to Warner, no run, a yorker that swerves back in on middle, Warner jams it back to the bowler

11.2 Steyn to Warner, no run, back of a length delivery just outside off, Warner punches it to cover point

11.1 Steyn to Warner, no run, Steyn starts off his second spell with a good length ball slanted across outside off, Warner drives it on the up to mid off but Amla dives to his right and stops it

Dale Steyn [4.0-2-10-0] is back into the attack

10.6 Morne Morkel to Warner, 1 run, this short delivery is on the stumps, Warner swivels and pulls it to fine leg

10.5 Morne Morkel to Warner, no run, this short delivery is slanted across wide outside off, Warner mistimes the cut to point

10.4 Morne Morkel to Ed Cowan, 3 runs, short of length ball but once again Morne floats it on the leg stump, Cowan works it to deep square leg, it is a pretty large gap and three runs is the result

10.3 Morne Morkel to Ed Cowan, no run, short ball but again down the leg side, Cowan ducks under

10.2 Morne Morkel to Ed Cowan, no run, full and straight delivery on middle, Cowan gets forward and defends it

10.1 Morne Morkel to Ed Cowan, leg byes, 2 runs, short ball and climbing up on the body, Cowan hops and looks to tuck it to fine leg, the ball thuds into the thigh pad and rolls to fine leg for a couple

9.6 Philander to Ed Cowan, 1 run, this length delivery is a bit too straight on the middle and leg stump, Cowan works it to long leg

9.5 Philander to Ed Cowan, no run, this delivery veers back in on middle and off, Cowan gets the bat close to the pad and dabs it to the off side

9.4 Philander to Ed Cowan, no run, fullish ball and keeping it close to the off stump, Cowan gets forward and shoulders arms

Cowan again backed out of the shot and Philander hurls the ball down in disgust. Cowan yells, "There was a fly inside my helmet and that is why I backed out."

9.3 Philander to Warner, 1 run, back of a length delivery but a bit too straight on the middle and leg stump, Warner nurdles it to mid wicket

9.2 Philander to Warner, 2 runs, fuller length ball on the pads, Warner flicks it into the gap at mid wicket for a couple

9.1 Philander to Warner, no run, good length ball on leg stump, Warner lunges forward and pushes it to mid on

8.6 Morne Morkel to Ed Cowan, no run, full pitched ball just outside off, Cowan bends the back leg and mistimes the drive to short cover

8.5 Morne Morkel to Ed Cowan, no run, back of a length delivery just outside off, Cowan gets forward and blocks it

Morne Morkel is getting some treatment for his ankle. He is alright though and will resume bowling.

8.4 Morne Morkel to Ed Cowan, no run, uh oh, Morne looks to be in some trouble here, he comes round the wicket and completely misdirects the bouncer, it goes down the leg side as Morne rolls his ankle over and falls down

8.3 Morne Morkel to Warner, 3 runs, Morne floats a good length delivery a bit too straight on the pads, Warner flicks it to deep square leg and Amla gives chase from short leg, they take three runs

8.2 Morne Morkel to Warner, no run, back of a length delivery and rearing up sharply just outside off, Warner lifts his bat and lets it go

8.1 Morne Morkel to Warner, no run, full and straight ball on middle and off, Warner defends it

Morne Morkel, right-arm fast, comes into the attack

7.6 Philander to Ed Cowan, no run, pitched up and honing in just outside off, Cowan does not play at it

Oops, Cowan backed out as Philander bowled that delivery. Some movement behind the sightscreen disturbed him.

7.5 Philander to Ed Cowan, no run, fuller length ball just around the off stump, Cowan opens the bat face and steers it to point where du Plessis dives to his left to prevent the single

7.4 Philander to Ed Cowan, no run, full and straight on the middle and leg stump, Cowan covers the stumps and pushes it to mid on

7.3 Philander to Warner, 1 run, length ball on middle, Warner plonks his front foot across and works it to mid wicket

7.2 Philander to Warner, no run, pitched up on the off stump, driven to mid on

7.1 Philander to Warner, no run, full ball and in the zone on middle and off, Warner defends it back to the bowler

6.6 Steyn to Ed Cowan, no run, full ball and in the zone outside off, Cowan shoulders arms

6.5 Steyn to Ed Cowan, no run, short ball and down the leg side, Cowan ducks under

6.4 Steyn to Ed Cowan, no run, good length ball just around the channel outside off, Cowan lifts his bat and lets it go

6.3 Steyn to Ed Cowan, no run, Steyn keeps it full but it is wider of the off stump, Cowan leaves it

6.2 Steyn to Ed Cowan, no run, fuller length ball around the off stump, Cowan does not play at it

5.5 Philander to Ed Cowan, no run, Cowan is having no clue against Philander, this delivery pitches on a good length on middle, it veers away late as Cowan presses forward and the ball goes past the outside edge

5.4 Philander to Ed Cowan, no run, pitched up on the middle and leg stump, Cowan clips it to mid on

5.3 Philander to Ed Cowan, no run, this is simply top class bowling, Philander keeps it on a length and it nips away late, Cowan plays inside the line of the delivery and gets beaten all ends up

5.2 Philander to Ed Cowan, no run, full ball just outside off, Cowan gets forward and blocks it

5.1 Philander to Ed Cowan, no run, that is an unplayable delivery from Philander, it is on a good length just outside off and it straightens, Cowan is lured forward and the ball darts past the edge

4.6 Steyn to Warner, no run, good length ball just outside off, Warner hangs back and defends it to the off side

4.5 Steyn to Warner, no run, short ball and it zips through on the stumps, Warner ducks under it

4.4 Steyn to Warner, no run, fuller length ball and slanting it across outside off, Warner lets it go

4.3 Steyn to Ed Cowan, 1 run, good length ball just outside off, Cowan gets forward and pushes it to cover point

4.2 Steyn to Ed Cowan, no run, back of a length delivery angled across in the zone just outside off, Cowan lets it go

4.1 Steyn to Ed Cowan, no run, that was a beauty of a delivery from Steyn, short of length ball on middle and it darts away, Cowan fishes out at it and the ball whizzes past the edge

3.6 Philander to Ed Cowan, 1 run, back of a length delivery just outside off, Cowan punches it to cover

3.5 Philander to Ed Cowan, no run, short of length ball just outside off, Cowan hangs back and defends it

3.4 Philander to Ed Cowan, no run, fuller length ball and close to the off stump, Cowan gets forward and defends it

3.3 Philander to Ed Cowan, no run, back of a length delivery and nipping back in on the middle and leg stump, Cowan is late onto the stroke and gets hit on the back thigh pad

3.2 Philander to Ed Cowan, no run, shortish in length just outside off, Cowan hangs back and defends it

3.1 Philander to Ed Cowan, no run, in the air but safe, short of length ball that veers back in on leg stump, Cowan gets his bat close to the pad and gets a big inside edge onto the pad, it lobs up to square leg but it falls safely

2.6 Steyn to Warner, FOUR, streaky but safe, good length ball that zips through just outside off, Warner pushes at it and gets an outside edge that rolls past third slip for another boundary

2.5 Steyn to Warner, FOUR, WHAM! Length delivery and in the slot outside off, Warner stays on the front foot and laces it on the up to the sweeper cover fence

2.4 Steyn to Warner, no run, loose shot from Warner, back of a length delivery and angling away outside off, Warner stays back and looks to force it through the off side and gets beaten, a touch of extra bounce

2.3 Steyn to Warner, no run, a little bit fuller and it jags away just outside off, Warner shoulders arms

2.2 Steyn to Warner, no run, good length ball angled across outside off, left alone by Warner

2.1 Steyn to Ed Cowan, 1 run, Cowan avoids the pair, short of a good length ball just outside off, Cowan pushes it in front of square to get off the mark

1.6 Philander to Warner, no run, length ball and straight on the middle and leg stump, Warner taps it back to the bowler

1.5 Philander to Warner, no run, fuller length ball just outside off, Warner gets forward and taps it to point, du Plessis dives to his left and stops it

1.4 Philander to Warner, FOUR, another good shot from Warner, full ball and it snakes back in onto the pads, Warner gets forward to flick it past mid wicket and the ball purrs away to the fence

1.3 Philander to Warner, no run, back of a length delivery on middle, Warner defends it back to the bowler off the back foot

1.2 Philander to Warner, no run, good length delivery slanted across outside off and it straightens, Warner judges it well and the ball just goes past the off stump

1.1 Philander to Warner, FOUR, short and wide delivery outside off, Warner slashes hard at it and gets an outside edge that flies to the third man fence, poor start for Philander

Vernon Philander, right-arm fast medium, comes into the attack

0.6 Steyn to Ed Cowan, no run, pitched up and swerving back in sharply on the middle and leg stump, Cowan is caught on the front foot and he clips it to mid on

0.5 Steyn to Ed Cowan, no run, short of length ball just outside off, Cowan dabs it to short cover and refuses the single, Warner has to turn back

0.4 Steyn to Ed Cowan, no run, back of a length delivery on the middle and off stump, Cowan stabs at it and gets an outside edge that rolls along the mat to gully

0.3 Steyn to Ed Cowan, no run, pitched up and it bends back in late on middle, Cowan plants the front foot across and gets the bat down just in the nick of time to block it

0.2 Steyn to Ed Cowan, no run, fuller length ball around the off stump, Cowan gets forward and defends it solidly

0.1 Steyn to Ed Cowan, no run, good length ball that zips through on the off stump, Cowan nudges it to square leg

Ed Cowan and Warner are at the crease. Ed Cowan is on strike. Steyn will open the attack

Three slips and a gully in place as Dale Steyn charges in.

The South Africans have finished with their warm-ups as David Warner and Ed Cowan come out to bat. Cowan is on a King Pair. Will he survive?

AB de Villers continued to torment the Australian bowlers with a breath-taking century. The rest of the tail hung on for a bit as Graeme Smith did not declare the innings. Starc polished off the tail by picking up 6/154. Australia have a tricky one hour to negotiate here.

111.5 Starc to Morne Morkel, out Bowled!! Starc has cleaned up Morne here. A fast yorker that bends back in sharply, Morne hangs back but he is late in getting the bat down, the leg stump is detonated out of the ground, the target for Australia will be 632. Morne Morkel b Starc 0(2)

Starc to Morne Morkel, THATS OUT!! Bowled!!

111.4 Starc to Morne Morkel, no run, another sharp bouncer just outside off, Morne arches his back and lets it go

Morne Morkel, left handed bat, comes to the crease

111.3 Starc to Steyn, out Caught by Wade!! Starc gets a five wicket haul. Not the best haul that he has ever taken, but he will take it. Short ball slanted across just outside off and it rears up sharply, Steyn looks to ride the bounce and upper-cut it over third man, he gets an outside edge that is snapped up by Wade, this is his first five wicket haul in Tests, a bitter-sweet moment this. Steyn c Wade b Starc 8(17) [4s-1]

Starc to Steyn, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

111.2 Starc to Steyn, no run, pitched up and around the off stump, Steyn drives it to short extra cover

111.1 Starc to Steyn, no run, banged in short and outside off, Steyn evades it

110.6 Mitchell Johnson to Philander, no run, pitched up and outside off, Philander punches it to mid off

110.5 Mitchell Johnson to Steyn, 1 run, on the middle and leg, Steyn turns it through square leg for just one

110.4 Mitchell Johnson to Steyn, no run, good length and just outside off now, Steyn defends it solidly

110.3 Mitchell Johnson to Steyn, no run, good short one again, Steyn ducks under once more

110.2 Mitchell Johnson to Philander, 1 run, short of length and outside off, Philander gets up tall and das it on the offside for a quick single

110.1 Mitchell Johnson to Philander, no run, banged in short, Philander ducks under it

109.6 Starc to Steyn, no run, Starc goes very full now and Steyn misses a full toss

109.5 Starc to Steyn, no run, another short one, Steyn is sent scurrying for cover

109.4 Starc to Steyn, no run, pitched up and outside off, Steyn swings hard but misses

109.3 Starc to Steyn, FOUR, short again but wide outside off now, Steyn goes for the cut and gets enough on it to send it to the third man fence

109.2 Starc to Steyn, no run, short again, Steyn tries the pull but misses

109.1 Starc to Steyn, no run, banged in short, Steyn evades it

Drinks are on the field now

108.6 Mitchell Johnson to Philander, 2 runs, pitched up and slanted in, Philander swings hard and gets it on the inside half of the bat. It rolls wide of deep square leg for a couple

108.5 Mitchell Johnson to Steyn, 1 run, on a good length and just outside off, Steyn dabs it through cover for a quick single

108.4 Mitchell Johnson to Steyn, no run, short of length and outside off, Steyn dabs it wide of point

108.3 Mitchell Johnson to Steyn, no run, good length and very straight, Steyn plays it back to Mitchell Johnson

108.2 Mitchell Johnson to Philander, 1 run, on a good length and very straight, Philander taps it in the mid wicket area for a quick single

108.1 Mitchell Johnson to Philander, no run, on a good length and just outside off, Philander drops it to mid off

107.6 Starc to Steyn, 2 runs, full and on the middle and leg, Steyn works it around to fine leg for a couple

107.5 Starc to Steyn, no run, full and straight, Steyn is squared up and gets a thick edge towards gully

Dale Steyn, right handed bat, comes to the crease

Just about 20 overs left in the day. No declaration yet.

107.4 Starc to de Villiers, out Caught by Wade!! Full and well outside off, de Villiers slashes hard and gets a thick edge to the keeper. End of a brilliant innings from de Villiers and he gets a warm ovation from the crowd. de Villiers c Wade b Starc 169(184) [4s-21 6s-3]

Starc to de Villiers, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

107.3 Starc to de Villiers, no run, full and straight, de Villiers pushes it back to Starc

107.3 Starc to de Villiers, wide, short and goes too far over de Villiers's head, called a wide

107.2 Starc to de Villiers, no run, full and very straight, de Villiers punches it back to Starc

107.1 Starc to de Villiers, no run, full and on the middle and leg, de Villiers punches it to mid wicket

106.5 Mitchell Johnson to Philander, FOUR, pitched up and well outside off, Philander swings hard and slices it well over cover for another boundary

106.4 Mitchell Johnson to Philander, no run, banged in short and well outside off, Philander sways away from the line

106.3 Mitchell Johnson to Philander, no run, on a good length and on the off, Philander blocks it solidly back to Mitchell Johnson

106.2 Mitchell Johnson to Philander, 2 runs, full and outside off, Philander tries to launch it out of the ground but miscues but it still goes well over mid off. Hastings does not get there

106.1 Mitchell Johnson to de Villiers, 1 run, full and outside off, de Villiers eases it down to sweeper cover for one

105.6 Starc to Philander, FOUR, Philander is just going to have some fun now. This is a full delivery that he swats just over the head of mid on to get off the mark

105.5 Starc to Philander, no run, on a good length and just outside off, Philander pushes it back down the track

105.4 Starc to Philander, no run, slower one, dug in short too. Philander is too early into the pull and misses it

105.3 Starc to Philander, no run, pitched up and outside off, Philander punches it to mid off

105.2 Starc to Philander, no run, full and slanted outside off, Philander does not offer a shot

105.1 Starc to de Villiers, 1 run, banged in short, de Villiers pulls it wide of deep mid wicket for one more

104.6 Mitchell Johnson to de Villiers, 1 run, short and on the leg, de Villiers turns it down to deep square leg for just one more

104.5 Mitchell Johnson to de Villiers, no run, good length and just outside off now, de Villiers tries to defend but it nips away just enough to miss the edge

104.4 Mitchell Johnson to de Villiers, no run, full and straight now, de Villiers punches it back to Mitchell Johnson

104.3 Mitchell Johnson to de Villiers, FOUR, banged in short by Mitchell Johnson, de Villiers stands up tall and pulls it with ease wide of fine leg for another boundary. This is his highest score against Australia

104.2 Mitchell Johnson to de Villiers, no run, full and outside off, de Villiers tries to dab it softly on the offside but gets an inside edge that lobs up gently past the stumps

104.1 Mitchell Johnson to de Villiers, no run, pitched up and very straight, de Villiers defends it back down the track

103.6 Starc to Philander, no run, full and on the middle and leg, Philander flicks it to mid wicket

Vernon Philander, right handed bat, comes to the crease

103.5 Starc to Peterson, out Caught by Mitchell Johnson!! That's the 4th catch that Johnson has taken and all of them have been very good ones. Banged in short by Starc, Peterson tries to pull but gets a top edge. It lobs up in front of mid on and Johnson races forward and slides in to take a good low catch. Peterson c Mitchell Johnson b Starc 0(3)

Starc to Peterson, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

103.4 Starc to Peterson, no run, pitched up and well outside off, Peterson flings hard outside off but misses

Replays show that Peterson in fact had a slight inside edge in the first ball. Wade did not take the tough chance.

103.3 Starc to Peterson, no run, pitched up and swinging in a touch, Peterson drills it to mid off

103.2 Starc to de Villiers, 1 run, on a good length and just outside off, de Villiers drops it in front of cover for a quick single

103.1 Starc to de Villiers, no run, very good ball from Starc. Should have had de Villiers here. It was in the blockhole and moved in late. de Villiers fails to jam it out and it misses the off-stump by a whisker

Mitchell Starc [24.0-3-141-2] is back into the attack

Robin Peterson, left handed bat, comes to the crease

No declaration yet.

102.6 Mitchell Johnson to du Plessis, out Caught by Michael Clarke!! Mitchell Johnson gets his 4th and it was another good catch. That's been the best part of Australia's stay in the middle. du Plessis poked out at a delivery slanted away and got a thick outside edge that flew low and to the right of first slip. Clarke flings himself across to take it with both hands and makes it look very easy. du Plessis c Michael Clarke b Mitchell Johnson 27(38) [4s-4]

Mitchell Johnson to du Plessis, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

102.5 Mitchell Johnson to de Villiers, leg byes, 1 run, review wasted but Australia are clutching at strings here. They will go for everything. That pitched well outside leg and hit de Villiers high on the front pad too

Australia have gone for a belated review. The umpire signaled a leg-bye and that prompted Clarke to take it. Looks like it was pitching outside leg.

102.4 Mitchell Johnson to de Villiers, no run, very straight, de Villiers plays it softly back down the track

102.3 Mitchell Johnson to de Villiers, no run, on a good length and outside off, de Villiers turns it to mid wicket

102.2 Mitchell Johnson to de Villiers, no run, banged in short now and de Villiers does not go for the pull

102.1 Mitchell Johnson to de Villiers, 2 runs, the partnership between de Villiers and du Plessis is now 101 and it has come off just 80 balls. de Villiers works a short of length delivery wide of deep point for a couple to bring it up

101.6 Lyon to de Villiers, 1 run, flat and on the leg, de Villiers glances it to fine leg for an easy single

101.5 Lyon to de Villiers, SIX, no stopping de Villiers now. He picks this delivery from outside off and slog-sweeps it into the crowd over deep mid wicket

101.4 Lyon to de Villiers, 2 runs, floated up on the leg, de Villiers turns it along the ground to deep mid wicket

101.3 Lyon to du Plessis, 3 runs, floated up outside leg from round the wicket, du Plessis goes for the paddle and picks up three

101.2 Lyon to de Villiers, 1 run, pitched up now, de Villiers comes on the frontfoot and drives it superbly to long on and brings up his 150

101.1 Lyon to de Villiers, FOUR, this is just superb batting from de Villiers. Not too much wrong with the delivery, de Villiers goes outside off and paddles it very fine to pick up a boundary

100.6 Mitchell Johnson to du Plessis, no run, full and just outside off, du Plessis defends it watchfully

100.4 Mitchell Johnson to du Plessis, FOUR, very similar to the first boundary, full and outside off, du Plessis reaches out and slices it square on the offside again. Top shot

100.3 Mitchell Johnson to du Plessis, no run, good length and very straight, du Plessis plays it back down the track

100.2 Mitchell Johnson to du Plessis, FOUR, pitched up and width outside off, du Plessis reaches out and slices it behind point for a boundary

100.1 Mitchell Johnson to de Villiers, 1 run, on a good length and outside off, de Villiers pushes it wide of cover for a quick single

Mitchell Johnson [19.0-1-77-3] is back into the attack

99.6 Lyon to du Plessis, no run, floated up, du Plessis comes on the frontfoot and turns it to mid wicket

99.5 Lyon to de Villiers, 1 run, floated up and outside off, de Villiers backs away and slashes hard but gets a thick outside edge that lobs up in the vacant area behind point

99.4 Lyon to de Villiers, SIX, not too full but de Villiers drags the slog-sweep well over the mid wicket fence. There was a deep midwicket in place and de Villiers willingly took him on

99.3 Lyon to du Plessis, 1 run, pitched up, du Plessis punches it down to long on for one

99.2 Lyon to de Villiers, 1 run, short and sliding on outside off, de Villiers cuts it to deep point for one more

99.1 Lyon to du Plessis, 1 run, full and on the middle and leg, du Plessis turns it wide of mid wicket for an easy single

98.6 Hastings to de Villiers, no run, pitched up and outside off, de Villiers comes on the frontfoot to push it to mid off

98.5 Hastings to de Villiers, FOUR, banged in short, de Villiers goes right back and pulls it fiercely to the mid wicket fence

98.4 Hastings to de Villiers, 2 runs, pitched up, de Villiers pushes it to mid on for a quick single and an overthrow gets them one more

98.3 Hastings to du Plessis, 1 run, good length and outside off, du Plessis pushes it wide of point for a quick single

98.2 Hastings to du Plessis, no run, full and straight, du Plessis gets right behind the line to block

98.1 Hastings to du Plessis, FOUR, Australia have gone completely flat. Short from Hastings and du Plessis pulls it down to the deep mid wicket fence

97.6 Lyon to de Villiers, FOUR, tossed up a bit but de Villiers is very quick to come down to the pitch and whips it forcefully with the spin to the mid wicket fence. Top shot that

97.5 Lyon to de Villiers, 2 runs, full and on the leg, poor bowling from Lyon. de Villiers works it nicely wide of deep square leg

97.4 Lyon to de Villiers, 2 runs, short and on the leg, de Villiers pulls it along the ground to deep square leg

97.3 Lyon to de Villiers, 2 runs, turning in once more and flat, de Villiers flicks it wide of deep square leg for a couple

97.2 Lyon to du Plessis, 1 run, flat and on the middle and leg again, du Plessis whips it down to deep mid wicket

97.1 Lyon to de Villiers, 1 run, turning in, de Villiers gets back and whips it down to deep mid wicket for a single

96.6 Hastings to du Plessis, no run, full and on the off, du Plessis leans forward to defend it solidly

96.5 Hastings to du Plessis, 2 runs, nothing going right for Australia. It was full and angled in, du Plessis looks to whip it on the onside but gets a leading edge that lobs up well beyond mid off

96.4 Hastings to du Plessis, no run, on the off now, du Plessis defends it back down the track

96.3 Hastings to de Villiers, 1 run, to point

96.2 Hastings to de Villiers, 2 runs, on a good length and outside off, de Villiers dabs it down to sweeper cover for a couple

96.1 Hastings to de Villiers, no run, on a good length and outside off, de Villiers taps it gently to gully

Welcome back. Ricky Ponting leads Australia out with a wide smile as his team-mates and the crowd cheer on. That's a very fine gesture from Clarke.

Another session that South Africa have expectedly bossed. AB de Villiers dug in initially but once he started middling the ball, there was no stopping him. 147/2 reads the scoreline for the session. Hashim Amla missed out on double hundred but had played a terrific part by then. The lead is not worth a stupendous 529. South Africa will probably have a go at Australia in the last hour. Join us in about 20 minutes for the last session.

95.6 Lyon to de Villiers, 1 run, full and on the middle and leg, de Villiers turns it firmly down to deep mid wicket. That will be tea on day three.

95.5 Lyon to de Villiers, FOUR, he is loving this shot today. This is another variation of the reverse sweep. He paddles it really fine this time to pick up another boundary

95.4 Lyon to de Villiers, no run, full and outside off, de Villiers turns it to mid wicket

95.3 Lyon to de Villiers, no run, tossed up again, de Villiers taps it on the onside

95.2 Lyon to de Villiers, no run, tossed up outside off, de Villiers leans forward and pushes it to mid wicket

95.1 Lyon to de Villiers, no run, floated up on the off, de Villiers comes down the track and pushes it back to Lyon

94.6 Hastings to du Plessis, no run, full and on the middle and leg, du Plessis punches it to mid on

94.5 Hastings to de Villiers, 1 run, good length and just outside off, de Villiers taps it wide of point for a quick single

94.4 Hastings to de Villiers, FOUR, very full and outside off, de Villiers comes on the frontfoot and drills it powerfully down the ground to the boundary. Top shot that.

94.3 Hastings to de Villiers, 2 runs, pitched up and outside off, de Villiers leans forward and drives it wide of deep extra cover for an easy couple

94.2 Hastings to de Villiers, no run, on the off again, de Villiers dabs it to point

94.1 Hastings to de Villiers, no run, good length and very straight, de Villiers pushes it to mid on

94.1 Hastings to de Villiers, no run, good length and very straight, de Villiers pushes it to mid on

John Hastings [16.0-1-79-0] is back into the attack

93.6 Lyon to du Plessis, no run, some extra bounce for Lyon, du Plessis gets it high on the bat

93.5 Lyon to du Plessis, no run, full and on the leg, du Plessis turns it to backward square leg

93.2 Lyon to du Plessis, no run, tossed up again, du Plessis is hit on the front pad

93.1 Lyon to du Plessis, no run, floated up and on the off, du Plessis lunges out to defend

92.6 Mitchell Johnson to du Plessis, 1 run, good length and very straight, du Plessis turns it through mid wicket for one more

92.5 Mitchell Johnson to du Plessis, no run, pitched up and on the off, du Plessis punches it firmly to mid off

92.4 Mitchell Johnson to du Plessis, no run, good length and on the off, du Plessis defends it down the track

92.3 Mitchell Johnson to de Villiers, 1 run, full and on the middle and leg, de Villiers turns it down to fine leg for one

92.2 Mitchell Johnson to du Plessis, 1 run, banged in short, du Plessis pulls it down to fine leg for one more

92.1 Mitchell Johnson to de Villiers, 1 run, short of length and on the middle and leg, de Villiers hops up and works it behind square on the onside for one

de Villiers got a hundred in South Africa's first Test of 2012 and now gets it in their last match of the year.

91.6 Lyon to du Plessis, no run, tossed up on the middle and leg, du Plessis turns it past short leg

91.5 Lyon to du Plessis, no run, floated up on the leg, du Plessis defends it on the onside

91.4 Lyon to de Villiers, 1 run, tossed up on the middle and leg, de Villiers turns it behind square on the onside for one

91.3 Lyon to de Villiers, FOUR, He does it! Third reverse sweep in a row to get to his 14th Test CENTURY. His first since taking up as wicket-keeper and he is understandably quite delighted. This has been just the kind of innings that South Africa needed. This is also his first 100 in 14 innings

91.2 Lyon to de Villiers, FOUR, even better reverse sweep now. He picks this from middle stump and gets it very fine again. Just a hit from the ton now.

91.1 Lyon to de Villiers, FOUR, de Villiers goes into the nineties. It was a very full delivery, de Villiers brings out the reverse sweep and connects beautifully

90.6 Mitchell Johnson to du Plessis, no run, good length and on the off, du Plessis stands up tall and defends it solidly

90.5 Mitchell Johnson to du Plessis, no run, full and straight, du Plessis plays it down the track

90.4 Mitchell Johnson to de Villiers, 1 run, good length and very straight, de Villiers taps it to mid wicket

90.3 Mitchell Johnson to de Villiers, no run, short again, de Villiers is a little too early into the pull and gets hit on the body

90.2 Mitchell Johnson to de Villiers, no run, full and straight, de Villiers taps it on the onside

90.1 Mitchell Johnson to de Villiers, no run, full and slanted across, de Villiers shoulders arms

89.3 Lyon to du Plessis, no run, tossed up on the off, du Plessis taps it gently to short leg

89.2 Lyon to du Plessis, no run, floated up outside leg, du Plessis taps it on the onside

89.1 Lyon to de Villiers, 1 run, turning in, de Villiers works it down to backward square leg for one more

Nathan Lyon [15.0-1-70-0] is back into the attack

88.6 Mitchell Johnson to du Plessis, no run

Faf du Plessis, right handed bat, comes to the crease

88.5 Mitchell Johnson to Elgar, out Lbw!! That's a pair on debut for Elgar. No easy time to bat in Tests and Elgar has learnt that the hard way. Mitchell Johnson gave him a proper working over before delivering the sucker ball. The two short ones previously kept Elgar in the crease and Mitchell Johnson goes full to trap him plumb in front of middle. Third wicket for Mitchell Johnson, some consolation for Australia and the crowd. Elgar lbw b Mitchell Johnson 0(4)

Mitchell Johnson to Elgar, THATS OUT!! Lbw!!

Johnson has trapped Elgar LBW. The latter has gone for the review. This was just good thinking from Mitchell Johnson and looked plumb at first sight. It did catch Elgar high on the pad but he's a goner.

88.4 Mitchell Johnson to Elgar, no run, serious pace from Mitchell Johnson. Another superbly directed short delivery, right into the body. It has Elgar hopping and fending. It catches Elgar on the shoulder before lobbing up to the keeper

88.3 Mitchell Johnson to Elgar, no run, dug in short and Elgar is hit on the elbow. He seemed to have missed the line completely. Remember, he's on a pair as well. Context wise, it won't get easier but Mitchell Johnson is roubling him a lot.

88.2 Mitchell Johnson to Elgar, no run, Mitchell Johnson welcomes Elgar with a good short one, well outside off though and Elgar shoulders arms

Dean Elgar, left handed bat, comes to the crease

88.1 Mitchell Johnson to Amla, out Caught&Bowled!! Mitchell Johnson takes another blinder to pick up his second wicket. No double hundred for Amla but he walks off to a standing ovation. It was a full delivery and Amla punches it on the up and down the track. Mitchell Johnson sticks out his right (wrong) hand and latches on to the firm drive. It needed something like this to stop Amla. Amla c and b Mitchell Johnson 196(221) [4s-21]

Mitchell Johnson to Amla, THATS OUT!! Caught&Bowled!!

87.6 Starc to de Villiers, FOUR, short again and outside off. Not enough pace to trouble de Villiers. He stands up tall and pulls it ferociously and well in front of square for yet another boundary

87.5 Starc to de Villiers, no run, pitched up and wide outside off, de Villiers shoulders arms

87.4 Starc to Amla, 1 run, angled in now, Amla turns it gently down to fine leg for one more

87.3 Starc to Amla, FOUR, Starc goes short and wide. There's the boundary ball for the over. Amla stands up tall and cuts it fiercely in the vacant area square on the offside

87.2 Starc to de Villiers, 1 run, angled in nicely, de Villiers taps it softly to mid wicket

87.1 Starc to Amla, 1 run, full and outside off from round the wicket, Amla plays a loose drive and gets a thick inside edge down to fine leg

86.6 Mitchell Johnson to de Villiers, no run, good length and on the off, de Villiers stands up tall to defend it solidly

86.5 Mitchell Johnson to de Villiers, no run, pitched up and straight, de Villiers pushes it back to Mitchell Johnson

86.4 Mitchell Johnson to de Villiers, no run, short of length and outside off, de Villiers tries the cut but misses

86.3 Mitchell Johnson to de Villiers, no run, good length and just outside off, de Villiers taps it on the offside

86.2 Mitchell Johnson to Amla, 1 run, good length and well outside off, Amla punches it square on the offside for one

86.1 Mitchell Johnson to Amla, no run, pitched up and well outside off, Amla shoulders arms

85.6 Starc to de Villiers, 2 runs, pitched up and outside off, de Villiers gets it in the inside half of the bat and sends it down to deep mid wicket for a couple

85.5 Starc to de Villiers, no run, Starc goes too far outside off now, no shot offered by de Villiers

85.4 Starc to Amla, 1 run, on a good length and outside off, Amla knocks it in front of cover for a quick single

85.3 Starc to de Villiers, 1 run, banged in short now, de Villiers stands up tall and pulls it handsomely to the man at deep square leg

85.2 Starc to de Villiers, FOUR, width outside off again, de Villiers gets back and punches it firmly to the cover fence. Starc continues to frustrate

85.1 Starc to de Villiers, no run, slanted across now, de Villiers shoulders arms

84.6 Mitchell Johnson to Amla, no run, that's cut Amla in half. Mitchell Johnson, every now and then, produces a delivery that can beat even Amla in this form. This was nicely pitched up and going away with the angle until it pitched, it swerves back in and goes inside Amla's drive

84.5 Mitchell Johnson to de Villiers, 1 run, Mitchell Johnson errs in line, on the middle and leg now and de Villiers glances it down to fine leg for an easy single

84.4 Mitchell Johnson to Amla, 1 run, short of length and outside off, Amla stands up tall and punches it to sweeper cover for one more

84.3 Mitchell Johnson to Amla, no run, good length and very straight, Amla stands up tall to block it down the track

84.2 Mitchell Johnson to Amla, no run, a good short delivery now, well directed and has Amla arching back inititally. as an afterthought, Amla tries to guide it over the slips but misses. Oohs and Aahs echo around the ground.

84.1 Mitchell Johnson to Amla, no run, short of length and directed into the body, Amla stands up tall and knocks it on the onside

Mitchell Johnson [14.0-0-69-1] is back into the attack

83.6 Starc to de Villiers, FOUR, on a good length and line. Pitches on the off and nips away a shade. de Villiers is squared up and gets a thick edge that flies wide of gully and to the boundary

83.5 Starc to de Villiers, no run, pitched up and swinging in a touch, de Villiers jams it onto his boots

83.4 Starc to de Villiers, FOUR, de Villiers is getting all his shots back. This was incredibly cheeky. It was short of length and outside off, de Villiers just waits for it and dabs it off the middle of the bat through gully and the slip cordon

83.3 Starc to Amla, 1 run, full and wide outside off, Amla reaches out and slices it wide of Warner at point, a fumble allows him the single

83.2 Starc to Amla, no run, pitched up and very straight, Amla defends it down the track

83.1 Starc to Amla, no run, full and outside off, Amla punches it back to Starc

Drinks are on the field now

82.6 Hastings to Amla, 1 run, on a good length and outside off, Amla pushes it past point for an easy single

82.5 Hastings to Amla, FOUR, short of length and outside off, Amla stands up tall and punches it gloriously through cover for a boundary

82.4 Hastings to Amla, no run, good length and outside off, Amla pushes it to cover

82.3 Hastings to Amla, no run, on the off, Amla punches it to cover

82.2 Hastings to Amla, no run, good length and on the off, Amla pushes it back down the track

82.1 Hastings to Amla, no run, on a good length and outside off, Amla shoulders arms

81.6 Starc to de Villiers, FOUR, a half-volley now. de Villiers leans forward and creams it through cover. Starc has sprayed it all over in this over. Not surprising that he has conceded close to 6 an over.

81.5 Starc to de Villiers, no run, pitched up and well outside off, de Villiers shoulders arms

81.4 Starc to de Villiers, 2 runs, on the middle and leg, de Villiers turns it through mid wicket for a couple

81.3 Starc to de Villiers, no run, pitched up and outside off, de Villiers punches it to mid off

81.2 Starc to de Villiers, FOUR, full and on the leg, de Villiers stays still and flicks it with ease behind square on the onside for another boundary. Very poor bowling.

81.1 Starc to de Villiers, no run, full and slanted across outside off, de Villiers watches it into the keeper's gloves

Mitchell Starc [20.0-3-103-2] is back into the attack

80.6 Hastings to de Villiers, 3 runs, pitched up and outside off again, de Villiers gets down on one knee to drive it nicely through cover

80.5 Hastings to de Villiers, no run, good length and well outside off, de Villiers shoulders arms

80.4 Hastings to de Villiers, no run, full and outside off, de Villiers punches it to cover

80.3 Hastings to de Villiers, FOUR, the partnership between de Villiers and Amla is now 100. It also brings up de Villiers's FIFTY. Short and outside off, de Villiers gets back and smashes it to the cover fence. This is his first fifty since he took up the wicket-keeper mantle. This should give him a lot of confidence

80.2 Hastings to de Villiers, no run, good length and well outside off, de Villiers does not go after it

80.1 Hastings to de Villiers, no run, shaping away gently outside off, de Villiers punches it to cover

John Hastings [14.0-1-67-0] is back into the attack

Australia take the 2nd new ball straightaway. No surprises there.

79.6 Ponting to de Villiers, 1 run, short again, de Villiers pulls it down to fine leg for one more

79.5 Ponting to de Villiers, no run, Ponting digs it in short and gets it to rear up high, de Villiers does not go for the pull. Very close to being called a wide too

79.4 Ponting to Amla, 1 run, pitched up and well outside off, Amla drives it easily to sweeper cover

79.3 Ponting to Amla, no run, on a good length and well outside off, Amla shoulders arms

79.2 Ponting to de Villiers, 1 run, on a good length and well outside off, de Villiers punches it to deep extra cover

They are cheering him even as he runs in. Bet, Johnson and co will be a little envious now.

79.1 Ponting to de Villiers, no run, pitched up and well outside off, de Villiers pushes it to point

Ricky Ponting, right-arm medium, comes into the attack

Loud cheers as Ponting takes the ball.

78.6 Michael Hussey to Amla, no run, full and straight, Amla gets right behind the line to block it well

78.5 Michael Hussey to Amla, no run, full and outside off, Amla pushes it to cover

78.4 Michael Hussey to de Villiers, 1 run, full and on the middle and leg, de Villiers punches it to mid on

78.3 Michael Hussey to Amla, 1 run, on the middle and leg, Amla turns it to deep square leg and crosses over

78.2 Michael Hussey to Amla, no run, outside off again, Amla punches it to cover

78.1 Michael Hussey to Amla, no run, on a good length and outside off, Amla shoulders arms

Warner and Hussey are rushing through their overs. They want to get to the second new ball as quickly as possible. Just a couple of overs for that.

77.6 Warner to Amla, 1 run, a low full toss now, Amla plays it down to long on again

77.5 Warner to de Villiers, 1 run, pitched up, de Villiers comes on the frontfoot and pushes it down to long on

77.4 Warner to Amla, 1 run, slightly short, Amla pulls it to deep square leg for one more

77.3 Warner to de Villiers, 1 run, pitched up, de Villiers leans forward to drive it along the round to sweeper cover

77.2 Warner to de Villiers, no run, full toss now, de Villiers bunts it towards mid wicket

77.1 Warner to Amla, 1 run, sliding on outside off, Amla punches it to sweeper cover off the backfoot

76.6 Michael Hussey to Amla, 1 run, full and outside off, Amla opens the face of the bat to punch it to sweeper cover for one more

76.5 Michael Hussey to Amla, no run, angled in, Amla tries to work it on the onside but gets hit on the thigh

76.4 Michael Hussey to Amla, no run, full and on the off, Amla leans forward to defend it solidly

76.3 Michael Hussey to de Villiers, 1 run, slightly short and outside off, de Villiers punches it wide of point and they take a quick single

76.2 Michael Hussey to Amla, 1 run, on the off now, Amla turns it through mid wicket for an easy single

76.1 Michael Hussey to Amla, 2 runs, short of length and outside off, Amla stands tall and runs it down to third man for a couple

75.6 Warner to Amla, 1 run, on the middle and leg again, Amla gets back and flicks it wristily down to fine leg to keep strike

75.5 Warner to de Villiers, 1 run, sliding on, de Villiers gets right back and works it through backward square leg

75.4 Warner to de Villiers, no run, pitched up and outside off, de Villiers leans forward to drive it to cover

75.3 Warner to Amla, 1 run, tossed up on the middle and leg, Amla turns it behind square on the onside for one more

75.2 Warner to de Villiers, 1 run, short and outside off, de Villiers gets back and cuts it to sweeper cover for one

75.1 Warner to de Villiers, no run, sliding on outside off, de Villiers taps it to cover

Australia will have to now do what no team has never happened in Cricket history to claim the No 1 ranking. 418 is the highest winning chase in Tests.

74.6 Michael Hussey to Amla, no run, full and well outside off, Amla shoulders arms

74.5 Michael Hussey to Amla, no run, on a good length and outside off, Amla taps it to cover

74.4 Michael Hussey to Amla, no run, full and outside off, Amla punches it to cover

74.3 Michael Hussey to Amla, FOUR, Michael Hussey overcompensates and goes very full this time. Right in the slot for Amla and he drives it straight under Michael Hussey's legs for another boundary

74.2 Michael Hussey to Amla, FOUR, he does not miss out this time. Short and wide outside off with no real pace. Amla leans back and cuts it gleefully to the point boundary

74.1 Michael Hussey to Amla, no run, on a good length and outside off, Amla chops it to cover

Michael Hussey [1.0-0-11-0] is back into the attack

South Africa chased down 414 on this same ground the last time these two teams met here. Australia will have to go one better this time. Monumental task that.

73.6 Warner to Amla, 1 run, that's probably the first time Amla has missed out on a loose delivery in this innings. A harmless full toss from Warner and Amla hits it in front of mid off for a quick single

73.5 Warner to Amla, no run, pitched up and on the middle and leg, Amla defends it softly on the onside

73.4 Warner to de Villiers, 1 run, sliding on outside off, de Villiers gets back to punch it to sweeper cover

73.3 Warner to Amla, 1 run, full and on the leg, Amla leans forward to work it throuh square leg again

73.2 Warner to de Villiers, 1 run, full and on the leg again, de Villiers turns it behind square on the onside for one more

73.1 Warner to Amla, 1 run, tossed up on the middle and leg, Amla turns it softly through square leg for a single

David Warner, right-arm leg break, comes into the attack

72.6 Lyon to de Villiers, no run, pushed through quick once more and outside off, de Villiers opens the face to guide it to point

72.5 Lyon to de Villiers, no run, flat and quick again, de Villiers knocks it on the offside

72.4 Lyon to de Villiers, no run, floated up and on the off, de Villiers leans forward to defend

72.3 Lyon to de Villiers, FOUR, Lyon goes flatter and fuller, de Villiers responds with a cheeky reverse sweep and finds the gap through fine leg. He is out thinking Lyon.

72.2 Lyon to de Villiers, SIX, de Villiers was looking for this shot in the previous over too. Now he does it with a beautiful golf swing to send it sailing way over the sight-screen. Beautiful shot.

72.1 Lyon to de Villiers, no run, tossed up and on the off, de Villiers pushes it back to Lyon

71.6 Mitchell Johnson to Amla, no run, on the off now, Amla plays it with soft hands to gully

71.5 Mitchell Johnson to de Villiers, 1 run, on the middle and leg, de Villiers turns it to deep mid wicket

71.4 Mitchell Johnson to de Villiers, no run, pitched up again, de Villiers times the drive nicely but does not find the gap this time, straight to mid off

71.3 Mitchell Johnson to de Villiers, no run, straighter in line, de Villiers leans forward to block it down the track

71.2 Mitchell Johnson to de Villiers, no run, full and slanted acrossfrom over the wicket, de Villiers is happy to leave

71.1 Mitchell Johnson to Amla, 1 run, short and directed into the hips from round the wicket, Amla helps it along to fine leg for an easy single

70.6 Lyon to de Villiers, no run, very full and on the leg, de Villiers brings the bat well in front of his pads to defend

70.5 Lyon to de Villiers, no run, given some air and de Villiers is quick to come down the track now, drives it powerfully too and Lyon does well to stop it

70.4 Lyon to de Villiers, no run, tossed up again, de Villiers prefers to defend from the crease

70.3 Lyon to de Villiers, no run, tossed up, de Villiers dances down to get to the pitch and whips it nicely but finds the man at mid wicket. He is finding his feet slowly, but surely

70.2 Lyon to Amla, 1 run, pushed through quicker by Lyon, Amla drives it along the ground to long on

70.1 Lyon to Amla, no run, tossed up and on the off, Amla defends it on the onside

69.6 Mitchell Johnson to de Villiers, FOUR, banged in short by Mitchell Johnson and de Villiers is quick to latch on. He was pressing forward initialy but stays there and pulls it powerfully to the square leg fence. The lead is a massive 400 now.

69.5 Mitchell Johnson to de Villiers, no run, on the off, de Villiers plays it back down the track

69.4 Mitchell Johnson to de Villiers, 2 runs, pitched up and outside off, de Villiers comes on the frontfoot and pushes it between cover and point for a quick couple

69.3 Mitchell Johnson to de Villiers, no run, on a good length but de Villiers prefers to defend it from the crease

69.2 Mitchell Johnson to Amla, 1 run, full and outside off, Amla leans forward and taps it wide of cover for a quick single

69.1 Mitchell Johnson to Amla, no run, Mitchell Johnson comes from round the wicket and keeps it on off. Amla gets right behind to block it well

68.6 Lyon to de Villiers, no run, given some air and on the off, de Villiers lunges out to push it back to Lyon

68.5 Lyon to de Villiers, no run, tossed up on the off, de Villiers turns it softly to mid wicket

68.4 Lyon to de Villiers, no run, flat and outside off, de Villiers watches it closely and defends it

68.3 Lyon to Amla, 3 runs, good wrist work to pick the gap this time. It was nicely flighted and outside off, Amla waits for it and drives it right between cover and mid off

68.1 Lyon to Amla, 2 runs, turning in nicely and some extra bounce too, Amla adjusts with ease and turns it off his hips to fine leg

67.6 Mitchell Johnson to de Villiers, no run, full and straight, de Villiers leans forward to defend once more

67.5 Mitchell Johnson to de Villiers, no run, good length and just outside off, de Villiers stays right behind the line to block it solidly

Two slips and a gully in place for de Villiers.

67.4 Mitchell Johnson to de Villiers, no run, good length and on the off now, de Villiers is able to play it from the crease to mid wicket

67.3 Mitchell Johnson to de Villiers, no run, pitched up again and outside off, de Villiers looks to drive it hard through cover but get it on the bottom of the bat

67.2 Mitchell Johnson to de Villiers, no run, pitched up and outside off, de Villiers lunges out and lifts the bat over his head

67.1 Mitchell Johnson to Amla, 1 run, short of length and outside off, Amla stands up tall and punches it to sweeper cover for just a single

Mitchell Johnson [11.0-0-59-1] is back into the attack

66.6 Lyon to de Villiers, FOUR, excellent footwork from de Villiers. He sees a flighted delivery and skips down the track very swiftly to pick it on the full and drives it fiercely. No long on in place for him and it was always going to be a boundary once it beat mid on

66.5 Lyon to de Villiers, no run, flat and on the middle and leg, de Villiers leans forward to push it to mid on

66.4 Lyon to de Villiers, no run, full and on the off, de Villiers lunges forward to block

66.3 Lyon to Amla, 1 run, Amla comes down the track to punch it down to long on and brings up his 150. Muted celebrations to back it up. He wants more.

66.2 Lyon to Amla, no run, flat and well outside off now, Amla does not offer a shot

66.1 Lyon to Amla, no run, flat and turning in, Amla tries to work it on the onside but gets a soft leading edge towards cover

Welcome back. Minutes away from the start now. How much more will South Africa make before they start thinking of the declaration? A lot of time left in the game still. For now, we probably will be seeing more of Amla's masterclass. He will take strike against Lyon.

90 runs for the loss of one wicket in the session for South Africa. Amla continued to plunder the Australian bowling to all parts of the ground as he scored his 18th Test century. He also became the third batsmen in 2012 to score 1000 runs in the calendar year. Kallis looked solid until Starc snapped him up. South Africa will look to bat on and give Australia a target of 500 plus. Join us in 40 minutes for the second session.

65.6 Starc to de Villiers, no run, good length ball and straight on the middle and leg stump, patted to short mid wicket

65.5 Starc to de Villiers, no run, very full and just outside off, de Villiers mistimes the drive to cover point

65.4 Starc to de Villiers, no run, full ball and in the zone outside off, de Villiers shoulders arms

65.3 Starc to de Villiers, no run, back of a length delivery on the middle and leg stump, tucked to mid wicket

65.2 Starc to de Villiers, no run, pitched up outside off, left alone by de Villiers

65.1 Starc to de Villiers, no run, fuller length ball just outside off, de Villiers dabs it to point

64.6 Lyon to Amla, no run, tossed up delivery just outside off, Amla defends it

64.5 Lyon to Amla, no run, quicker delivery outside off, Amla walks to the off side and defends it

64.4 Lyon to Amla, no run, loopy delivery on the middle and leg stump, Amla glances it to short fine leg

64.3 Lyon to Amla, no run, flatter delivery and breaking back in on the middle and leg stump, it kicks up as Amla tries to work it to the leg side, gets an inside edge onto the thigh pad and it falls safely at short leg

64.2 Lyon to de Villiers, 1 run, quick and full ball just outside off, worked to mid wicket

64.1 Lyon to de Villiers, no run, flatter delivery and close to the off stump, de Villiers defends it

63.6 Starc to de Villiers, 1 run, back of a length delivery on the middle and leg stump, de Villiers tucks it to short mid wicket

63.5 Starc to de Villiers, no run, fuller length ball angled across in the zone outside off, de Villiers lets it go

63.4 Starc to Amla, 1 run, the yorker from Starc just outside off, Amla jams it out to point and takes a single

63.3 Starc to Amla, no run, pitched up delivery on the off stump, Amla drives it on the up to cover

63.2 Starc to Amla, no run, short ball slanted in on the middle and leg stump, Amla ducks under

63.1 Starc to Amla, no run, Starc stays wide of the crease and spears in a full ball on middle, clipped to shortish mid wicket

62.6 Lyon to de Villiers, no run, quicker ball and spinning back in just outside off, de Villiers smothers it to the ground

62.5 Lyon to de Villiers, no run, full and loopy delivery just outside off, driven back to the bowler

62.4 Lyon to de Villiers, no run, flighted delivery just outside off, de Villiers defends it

62.3 Lyon to Amla, 1 run, again on the pads and Amla works it to backward square leg

62.2 Lyon to Amla, no run, flatter ball on the pads, whipped to short mid wicket where Ponting again dives to his right to stop it, good stuff

62.1 Lyon to Amla, no run, flighted delivery on leg stump, Amla clips it to short mid wicket where Ponting dives to his right to stop it

61.6 Starc to de Villiers, no run, pitched up just outside off, de Villiers choses to not play at it

61.5 Starc to de Villiers, no run, good length ball in the zone outside off, left alone by de Villiers

61.4 Starc to de Villiers, no run, pitched up just outside off, driven hard to short extra cover

61.3 Starc to de Villiers, no run, full and going on straight with the angle across just outside off, de Villiers gets forward and knocks it to short cover

60.6 Lyon to de Villiers, no run, slightly short on the middle and leg stump, de Villiers works it to short leg

60.5 Lyon to de Villiers, FOUR, too full from Lyon outside off, de Villiers watches it and laces the square drive to the sweeper cover fence

60.4 Lyon to de Villiers, no run, flat and straight delivery on the off stump, de Villiers defends it

60.3 Lyon to de Villiers, no run, keeping it on the off stump, de Villiers taps it to the on side

60.2 Lyon to de Villiers, no run, drifting away and spinning back in just outside off, de Villiers gets forward and turns it to the leg side

60.1 Lyon to Amla, 1 run, tossed up delivery just outside off, Amla sashays down the track and drives it to long on

59.6 Starc to de Villiers, no run, back of a length delivery just outside off, de Villiers punches it to short extra cover and initially calls for a single, but he realizes that Warner is approaching the ball and decides against it, Warner turns quickly and scores a direct hit at the bowler's end, smart call to not take the single as Warner is an excellent fielder

59.5 Starc to de Villiers, no run, good length ball just outside off, blocked back to the bowler

59.4 Starc to de Villiers, no run, full and wide outside off, de Villiers drives it to point but he finds the fielder

59.3 Starc to de Villiers, no run, length ball and slanting away outside off, de Villiers does not play at it

59.2 Starc to de Villiers, no run, goodish length ball and swerving away just outside off, de Villiers pats it to the leg side

59.1 Starc to de Villiers, no run, fuller length ball angled across outside off, de Villiers loosely goes for the drive and the ball goes past the outside edge

58.6 Lyon to Amla, no run, flighted delivery just outside off, clipped to short mid wicket

58.5 Lyon to Amla, no run, drifting away a touch just outside off, Amla gets forward and drives it to short mid wicket

58.4 Lyon to Amla, no run, tossed up delivery just outside off, clipped to square leg

58.3 Lyon to Amla, no run, flatter delivery just outside off, Amla goes back and defends it

58.2 Lyon to de Villiers, 3 runs, superb fielding from Warner, a low full toss outside off, de Villiers reverse paddles it to third man, Warner runs after it like a Road-runner and dives forward to pull it back just inside the ropes

58.1 Lyon to Amla, 1 run, flatter delivery just outside off, eased down to long on

Nathan Lyon [7.0-1-38-0] is back into the attack

57.6 Starc to de Villiers, no run, low full toss outside off, driven to mid off

57.4 Starc to de Villiers, 1 run, good length ball on middle and leg stump, de Villiers taps it to short mid wicket

57.3 Starc to Amla, 1 run, short of length ball just outside off, Amla hops back and nurdles it to square leg

57.2 Starc to Amla, no run, back of a length delivery just outside off, Amla drops it to the off side

57.1 Starc to Amla, no run, good effort from Wade, Starc spears this good length ball on the pads, Amla tries to glance it to fine leg but gets hit on the thigh pad, Wade dives to his left to stop it

56.6 Shane Watson to de Villiers, no run, full and probing away in the zone outside off, de Villiers gets forward and dabs it to point

56.5 Shane Watson to de Villiers, no run, full pitched ball just outside off, gets forward and defends it back to the bowler

56.4 Shane Watson to Amla, leg byes, 1 run, back of a length delivery and it nips back in, Amla tries to work it to square leg but gets hit on the front thigh pad, rolls to silly point as they pinch a leg bye

56.3 Shane Watson to Amla, no run, full and straight just outside off, Amla drives it to mid on

56.1 Shane Watson to Amla, no run, pitched up and a bit too straight on leg stump, Amla flicks it to mid wicket where the fielder dives to his right to stop it

55.6 Starc to de Villiers, no run, fuller length ball outside off, de Villiers gets forward and dabs it to short cover

55.5 Starc to de Villiers, no run, good length ball that bends back in on leg stump, de Villiers plays down the wrong line and gets hit on the thigh pad and the ball rolls to the off side

55.4 Starc to de Villiers, FOUR, poor ball from Starc, short and on the middle and leg stump, de Villiers pummells the pull to the long leg fence

55.3 Starc to de Villiers, no run, fuller length ball just outside off, driven to cover

55.2 Starc to de Villiers, no run, back of a length delivery just outside off, de Villiers goes back and defends it

55.1 Starc to de Villiers, no run, good length ball and keeping it close to the off stump, de Villiers nudges it to short mid wicket

54.6 Shane Watson to de Villiers, 1 run, back of a length delivery on leg stump, de Villiers tucks it to backward square leg

54.5 Shane Watson to de Villiers, no run, good length ball on middle and off, de Villiers defends it to the off side

54.4 Shane Watson to de Villiers, no run, pitched up on the off stump, de Villiers drills it back to Watson who looks to stop it but parries it to the off side

54.3 Shane Watson to de Villiers, no run, Watson keeps it on the stumps and de Villiers gets forward to block it awkwardly back to the bowler

54.2 Shane Watson to de Villiers, no run, Watson keeps it on a good length just outside off, de Villiers gets forward and defends it

54.1 Shane Watson to Amla, 1 run, angling in on the middle and leg stump, Amla works it to long leg

53.6 Starc to de Villiers, no run, fuller length ball angled across outside off, de Villiers lets it go

53.5 Starc to de Villiers, no run, short in length on middle and it kicks up, de Villiers is on the front foot and is surprised by the extra bounce as he stabs it to the ground

53.4 Starc to de Villiers, 2 runs, fuller length ball on the middle and leg stump, de Villiers looks to work it to the leg side and gets an inside edge that rolls behind square on the leg side for a couple

53.3 Starc to Amla, 1 run, good length ball that bends back in a touch on leg stump, Amla looks to work it to the leg side and gets an inside edge

53.2 Starc to Amla, no run, back of a length delivery speared in on the middle and leg stump, Amla pats it to the leg side

53.1 Starc to Amla, FOUR, edged but safe, Amla continues to motor along, Starc stays round the wicket and bowls a full ball that straightens outside off, Amla pokes at it and the outside edge goes past second slip along the ground and it rolls to the third man fence

52.6 Shane Watson to Amla, 1 run, full ball and on the pads, Amla flicks it behind square on the leg side

52.5 Shane Watson to Amla, no run, good length ball on the middle and leg stump and it holds its line, Amla attempts to turn it to the leg side but gets a leading edge to cover

52.4 Shane Watson to de Villiers, 1 run, angling in close to the off stump, de Villiers plants his front foot across and looks to defend, gets an inside edge that rolls to backward square leg

52.3 Shane Watson to de Villiers, no run, back of a length delivery angled in on middle and off, it jags back in off the seam as well as de Villiers hops to the off side and tries to work it to the leg side, the ball hits him high on the thigh pad

52.2 Shane Watson to de Villiers, no run, full ball outside off, de Villiers lunges forward and drives it to mid off

52.1 Shane Watson to de Villiers, no run, fuller length ball and snaking back in just outside off, de Villiers pushes it to mid on

51.6 Starc to Amla, no run, Starc comes wide from round the wicket and spears this delivery full and outside off, left alone by Amla

AB de Villiers, right handed bat, comes to the crease

51.5 Starc to Kallis, out Caught by Mitchell Johnson!! It did not look like Australia would take a wicket today but Starc takes the wicket of Kallis. Short ball and on the middle and leg stump, Kallis swivels and goes for the pull but gets a top edge to fine leg, Johnson runs in and takes the catch with both hands. Kallis c Mitchell Johnson b Starc 37(65) [4s-5]

Starc to Kallis, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

51.4 Starc to Kallis, no run, short of a good length outside off, it nips away as Kallis looks to force it to the off side and gets beaten

51.3 Starc to Kallis, no run, back of a length delivery just outside off, Kallis punches it to point

51.2 Starc to Kallis, no run, full ball speared across outside off, Kallis lets it go

51.1 Starc to Amla, 1 run, pitched up delivery and moving away a tad with the angle, Amla carves it to sweeper cover

Mitchell Starc [12.0-1-85-1] is back into the attack

Drinks are on the field. Amla is plundering the Aussie attack while Kallis is grinding them down. This is totally putting Australia out of the contest.

50.6 Shane Watson to Kallis, no run, good length ball just outside off, Kallis taps it to the leg side

50.5 Shane Watson to Kallis, no run, back of a length delivery close to the off stump, nurdled to short mid wicket

50.4 Shane Watson to Amla, 1 run, good length ball on the off stump, it zips through as Amla adjusts and closes the bat face to work it to long leg

50.3 Shane Watson to Kallis, 1 run, once again on leg stump and Kallis flicks it to deep square leg

50.2 Shane Watson to Amla, 1 run, Watson floats this delivery on the pads and Amla whippily clips it to deep mid wicket

50.1 Shane Watson to Amla, no run, full and straight delivery on middle, Amla pats it to mid off

Shane Watson [5.0-2-17-0] is back into the attack

49.6 Hastings to Kallis, no run, full and slow ball on the off stump, Kallis defends it off the front foot

49.5 Hastings to Kallis, no run, pitched up delivery just outside off, driven off the front foot to mid off

49.4 Hastings to Kallis, no run, back of a length delivery around the off stump channel, Kallis lets it go

49.4 Hastings to Kallis, wide, the bumper outside off, Kallis backs out of the shot and Wade takes it high over his head, wide signalled

49.3 Hastings to Kallis, FOUR, now Kallis decides to get some walking excercise, back of a length delivery angled in just outside off, Kallis moves to the off side and clips it to deep mid wicket for an easy boundary

49.2 Hastings to Kallis, no run, length ball on the off stump, Kallis solidly blocks it

49.1 Hastings to Kallis, no run, good length ball on the middle and leg stump, Kallis nudges it to short mid wicket

48.6 Starc to Amla, FOUR, the Australians simply have no clue about how to stop the runs, short and wide delivery outside off, Amla cracks it to deep backward point, 1000 runs for Amla in the calendar year, he is the third batsman to do it this year, take a bow Amla

48.5 Starc to Amla, no run, a yorker length ball just outside off, Amla digs it out to cover

48.4 Starc to Amla, FOUR, CRACK! That is timing of the highest quality. Starc dishes out a half-volley outside off, Amla presents the high elbow and bludgeons it on the up to the deep extra cover fence

48.3 Starc to Amla, no run, full and straight delivery on middle, Amla stays on the front foot and pats it to mid off

48.2 Starc to Kallis, 1 run, good length ball on the middle and leg stump, Kallis tucks it to fine leg

48.1 Starc to Kallis, no run, short and wide delivery outside off, Kallis frees his arms and flays the cut hard to point, Warner falls to his left and stops a certain boundary

47.6 Hastings to Kallis, 1 run, this full delivery is on the pads and Kallis clips it to fine leg

47.5 Hastings to Kallis, no run, full ball just outside off, driven to short cover

47.4 Hastings to Kallis, no run, the slower delivery from Hastings, he pitches it full and it stops on Kallis, he is too early into the stroke and he drives it a bit uppishly to mid on but it lands safely

47.3 Hastings to Kallis, no run, full ball just outside off, Kallis gets forward and defends it to short cover

47.2 Hastings to Kallis, FOUR, poor ball from Hastings and it is a controlled shot from Kallis, short and wide delivery outside off, Kallis uses the pace and square-cuts it to the deep backward point fence

47.1 Hastings to Kallis, no run, short ball and it is on the stumps, Kallis ducks under it

46.6 Starc to Amla, no run, fuller length ball and keeping it in the corridor of uncertainty, Amla goes for the drive and gets beaten

46.5 Starc to Amla, no run, short ball and bouncing a bit more outside off, Amla flashes at it as he attempts the upper-cut, he is beaten by the extra bounce

45.2 Hastings to Kallis, no run, back of a length delivery angling in just outside off, Kallis solidly defends it to mid on

45.1 Hastings to Kallis, 2 runs, short of length ball just outside off, Kallis stays back and punches it to sweeper cover for a couple

44.6 Mitchell Johnson to Amla, FOUR, Amla is really toying with the bowling here, short ball just outside off, Amla watches it carefully and opens the bat face to steer it past the gap at slip and gully for a boundary

44.5 Mitchell Johnson to Amla, no run, short of a good length ball just outside off, Amla drops it to gully

44.4 Mitchell Johnson to Amla, no run, pitched up slower delivery on middle and off, Amla spots the change of pace and defends it

44.1 Mitchell Johnson to Amla, 3 runs, nothing has changed since yesterday, the line and length have been all over the place from the Australians, Johnson slants this very overpitched delivery delivery wide outside off, Amla again reaches out for it and squeezes it past gully and it rolls to square third man for three easy runs

43.6 Hastings to Amla, 3 runs, short of a good length ball just outside off, Amla shows that he is excellent even off the back foot and he threads the gap at cover nicely by punching it to deep extra cover for three easy runs

43.5 Hastings to Amla, no run, the bumper just outside off, Amla drops his wrists and leaves it

43.4 Hastings to Kallis, 1 run, Hastings floats this delivery on a good length just outside off, Kallis punchily drives it to mid off

43.2 Hastings to Kallis, no run, back of a length delivery outside off, Kallis gets forward and pushes it to short cover

43.1 Hastings to Amla, 1 run, good length ball and wide outside off, Amla shuffles far to the off side and exposes all the three stumps, Amla works it to deep square leg

42.6 Mitchell Johnson to Amla, 1 run, short and straight ball on the middle and leg stump, Amla hops back and tucks it to backward square leg

42.5 Mitchell Johnson to Amla, no run, this short delivery is slightly wide of leg stump, Amla moves to the off side and lets it go

42.4 Mitchell Johnson to Amla, no run, short of length ball that rears up just outside off, Amla drops it to the off side

42.3 Mitchell Johnson to Amla, FOUR, in the air but safe?, nope, Michael Hussey has fluffed the catch, a wide full toss speared wide outside off, Amla reaches out for it and slices it to gully, it flies to Hussey who tries to take it with his right hand but spills the chance, rolls to third man for a streaky boundary

42.2 Mitchell Johnson to Amla, FOUR, WOW! That is all one can say about this shot. Length ball and in the slot for the drive just outside off, Amla stays forward and creams it sublimely to the deep extra cover fence

42.1 Mitchell Johnson to Kallis, 1 run, short in length delivery on leg stump, Kallis lifts the front leg and pulls it to deep square leg

41.6 Hastings to Amla, no run, on the off stump line and Amla is solid in defence

41.5 Hastings to Amla, no run, length delivery and it veers back in a touch just outside off, Amla punchily pushes it to mid on

41.4 Hastings to Amla, no run, back of a length delivery just outside off, Amla hangs back and punches it to short cover

41.3 Hastings to Amla, no run, short of length ball angled in just outside off, Amla leaves it

41.2 Hastings to Kallis, 1 run, good length ball but Hastings bowls it a bit too straight on the middle and leg stump, Kallis tucks it to mid wicket and Watson moves to his right to flick it onto the stumps at the striker's end, but Amla makes it

41.1 Hastings to Kallis, no run, fullish ball and in the channel outside off, Kallis does not play at it

40.6 Mitchell Johnson to Amla, no run, pitched up delivery and slightly wide outside off, Amla looks to force it through mid off but the bat face turns on impact and he mistimes it to mid on

40.5 Mitchell Johnson to Amla, no run, Johnson angles this full delivery across just outside off, Amla shoulders arms

40.4 Mitchell Johnson to Amla, FOUR, this shot is majestic to say the least, slightly overpitched from Johnson just outside off, Amla presents the full face of the bat and punches it as crisply as a chip, it screams past Watson who is at mid off and it purrs away to the wide long off fence

40.3 Mitchell Johnson to Amla, no run, pitched up on middle and off, Amla pushes it to mid off

The century by Amla is the fifth fastest century at the WACA.

40.2 Mitchell Johnson to Amla, no run, short of a good length ball and straight delivery on the off stump, Amla defends it back to the bowler

40.1 Mitchell Johnson to Amla, no run, short of a good length ball and keeping it close to the off stump, Amla knocks it to short cover

39.6 Hastings to Kallis, no run, full ball and in the zone outside off, Kallis solidly blocks it to the off side and that is a good start by Hastings

39.5 Hastings to Kallis, no run, back of a length and Hastings gets this delivery to kick up from the pitch, Kallis is slightly surprised by the extra bounce and he stabs it to point

39.4 Hastings to Kallis, no run, full ball just outside off, Kallis gets forward and drives it to cover

39.3 Hastings to Kallis, no run, short of length ball and jagging back in late just outside off, Kallis is rooted to the crease and he pats it to short mid wicket, Kallis gave the impression that the ball stayed low

39.2 Hastings to Kallis, no run, fuller length ball just around the off stump, Kallis shoulders arms and it veers back in after going past the stump

39.1 Hastings to Kallis, no run, good start for Hastings, goodish length delivery and it darts back in off the seam on the middle and leg stump, Kallis tries to work it to mid wicket but gets hit high on the thigh pad

John Hastings [8.0-0-47-0] is back into the attack

38.6 Mitchell Johnson to Amla, no run, pitched up delivery speared across on the off stump, Amla blocks it back to the bowler

38.5 Mitchell Johnson to Amla, no run, back of a length delivery close to the off stump, Amla hangs back and defends it

38.4 Mitchell Johnson to Kallis, 1 run, short ball and on leg stump, Kallis stands tall and drops it to mid wicket

38.3 Mitchell Johnson to Amla, 1 run, what a moment for Amla, his 18th Test century and his glorious form continues, short of length ball on the middle and leg stump, Amla tucks it behind square on the leg side to bring up his milestone, this is his 4th century against Australia

38.2 Mitchell Johnson to Amla, no run, back of a length delivery angled across just outside off, Amla goes back and tries to twirl it to mid wicket, the ball takes the toe-end to mid off

38.1 Mitchell Johnson to Amla, no run, Johnson starts off with a bumper on the middle and leg stump, it is too high for Amla to attempt any kind of shot and he ducks under

A warm welcome to one and all for the third day of the final Test between Australia and South Africa. The Proteas are in the driver's seat thanks to some wonderful batting from Graeme Smith and Hashim Amla. Amla is just one run away from a magnificent ton and South Africa will look to bat on and give Australia a sizeable target. The Australian bowlers need a miracle if they are to bowl out South Africa cheaply.

Alviro Petersen was snapped up early by Johnson. Graeme Smith and Hashim Amla did not start frenetically but once the boundaries started flowing, the Australian bowlers lost the plot. The ball was sprayed all around and the duo cashed in before going on to put away even the good deliveries. It was quite a show of dominance by both of them. The nudges through the onside from outside off infuriated the bowlers as much as the boundaries. It needed a special catch to dismiss Smith too. Amla missed out on a chance to become one among the select few to score a 100 in just a session but he has his chance tomorrow. South Africa hold all the aces and will be looking to extend their domination. Do join us for that. Cheers and goodbye for now.

Runs and wickets galore in the day. The match has moved along very, very quickly. 360 runs were scored in the day for the loss of 10 wickets. Steyn's burst early in the morning seems such a long time back now but that opened up the game for South Africa. They picked up 8 wickets quickly despite a battling 68 from Wade. What transpired in the last session was something nobody expected.

37.6 Hastings to Amla, 1 run, no 100 in a session for Amla but what a knock it has been. He pulls a short one to deep square leg and was thinking about the second but Kallis rightly says no. That ends an incredible day's cricket.

Still a chance. Last ball of the day. Kallis has a chat with Amla again.

37.5 Hastings to Kallis, 1 run, very straight, Kallis flicks it through mid wicket for one more

Just two minutes left in the day. Does not look like Amla will get his ton in a session. That would have been something really special.

37.4 Hastings to Amla, 1 run, banged in short, Amla pulls and gets it down to deep square leg for just one

37.3 Hastings to Amla, no run, good length and just outside off, Amla brings out the solid defense now

37.2 Hastings to Amla, no run, signs of nerves finally. Amla gets this right on the bottom of the bat and the ball lobs dangerously in front of mid off but drops short. Kallis walks up to have a chat.

37.1 Hastings to Amla, no run, short and outside off, Amla tries the upper cut but does not make contact

Amla on 97. Not too long before stumps too. Can he get there today?

36.6 Starc to Kallis, FOUR, slightly shorter. Kallis stays back in the crease and punches this perfectly to send it racing to the cover fence

36.5 Starc to Kallis, no run, good comeback from Starc. A pacy, short delivery now that was well directed too. Kallis was thinking about the pull but decides against it

36.4 Starc to Kallis, FOUR, pitched up now and outside off, Kallis comes on the frontfoot this time to drive it sweetly between cover and mid off for his 2nd boundary

36.3 Starc to Kallis, FOUR, short again with no real pace. Kallis has enough time to go back and pull it hard through mid wicket for his first boundary

36.2 Starc to Kallis, no run, good length and on the off, Kallis plays it softly back to Starc

36.1 Starc to Kallis, no run, short of length and outside off, Kallis punches it wide of point where Lyon makes a good stop

35.6 Hastings to Kallis, 1 run, full and straight, Kallis pushes it wide of mid on for a quick single

35.5 Hastings to Kallis, no run, full and just outside off, Kallis taps it towards cover

35.4 Hastings to Kallis, no run, good length and outside off, Kallis punches it back down the track

35.3 Hastings to Kallis, no run, on the off again, Kallis pushes it back to Hastings

35.2 Hastings to Kallis, no run, full and straight, Kallis defends it solidly

35.1 Hastings to Amla, 1 run, short of length and outside off, Amla stands up tall and punches it down to deep point for one

34.6 Starc to Kallis, no run, on the off, Kallis pushes it to mid on

34.5 Starc to Kallis, no run, full and straight, Kallis knocks it towards mid on

34.4 Starc to Kallis, no run, was that a catch dropped? Lyon seems very disappointed. He took a blinder earlier but seems to have dropped a sitter, liteally. It was spooned up and Lyon was down on his knees but somehow does not latch onto this simple catch

34.3 Starc to Kallis, no run, full and outside off, Kallis comes on the frontfoot to defend

34.2 Starc to Kallis, no run, back of a length and outside off, Kallis stands up tall and knocks it to point

34.1 Starc to Kallis, 2 runs, short again and on the leg, Kallis rolls his wrists over the pull and gets it between deep backward square leg and fine leg

33.6 Hastings to Kallis, 1 run, full and outside off, Kallis drives it firmly wide of mid off for a single

33.5 Hastings to Kallis, no run, slow cutter on the off, Kallis plays it late and blocks it on the offside

33.4 Hastings to Kallis, no run, outside off once more, Kallis leaves watchfully

33.3 Hastings to Kallis, no run, on a good length and outside off, Kallis stands up tall and punches it to cover

33.2 Hastings to Kallis, no run, pitched up and outside off, Kallis leans forward to block it solidly

33.1 Hastings to Kallis, no run, full and well outside off, Kallis does not offer a shot

John Hastings [5.0-0-41-0] is back into the attack

32.6 Starc to Amla, no run, tossed up and very full, Amla decides to defend

32.5 Starc to Amla, FOUR, another short one, Amla stands up tall and pulls this time. Not great timing but he finds the gap through mid wicket for a boundary

32.4 Starc to Amla, no run, banged in short again, Amla does not offer a shot and ducks under

Jacques Kallis, right handed bat, comes to the crease

32.3 Starc to Graeme Smith, out Caught by Lyon!! That's the second time an Australian has taken a terrific catch in this session but in between 178 runs have been scored at breakneck speed. A much needed breakthrough this for Australia. Starc digs it short yet again, Smith goes for the pull but gets a top edge. It lobs up in the square leg area. Lyon sprints across at least 10 yards from deep mid wicket to dive full length and take it inches above the ground with both hands. Splendid effort to end a gem from Smith. Graeme Smith c Lyon b Starc 84(100) [4s-13]

Starc to Graeme Smith, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

32.2 Starc to Graeme Smith, no run, on a good length and just outside off, Smith gets behind the line to defend it solidly

32.1 Starc to Amla, 1 run, full and outside off, Amla leans forward to drive it to sweeper cover

31.5 Lyon to Graeme Smith, no run, slow and on the leg, Smith taps it on the onside

31.4 Lyon to Graeme Smith, FOUR, pitched up and very full, Smith leans forward and flicks it superbly through mid wicket for a boundary again, great timing

31.3 Lyon to Graeme Smith, no run, full and sliding down the legside, Smith misses the flicke

31.2 Lyon to Amla, 1 run, flat now, Amla comes down the track once more to drive it down to long on

31.1 Lyon to Amla, FOUR, Amla can do nothing wrong today. He comes down the track but is beaten in the flight but still goes through with the lofted shot. Fortunately for him it goes well over mid off and long on did not have enough time to get across

30.6 Starc to Amla, 1 run, short and outside off yet again from Starc, Amla hops up and flashes hard to get a thick edge down to third man for one

30.5 Starc to Amla, no run, full and straight, Amla plays it softly back to Starc

30.4 Starc to Amla, no run, dug in short once more, Amla ducks under it quickly

30.3 Starc to Graeme Smith, 1 run, slightly fuller this time but Smith is still able to play it from the crease, he dabs it through point and crosses over

30.2 Starc to Graeme Smith, FOUR, short and well outside off, Smith stays back and cuts it nicely between gully and point for yet another boundary

30.1 Starc to Amla, 1 run, full and on the off, Amla turns it through mid wicket for an easy single

Mitchell Starc [6.0-0-50-0] is back into the attack

29.6 Lyon to Graeme Smith, no run, loud appeal turned down. It did not look very convincing. Straightening from round the wicket, Smith is squared up and is hit high on the pad.

29.5 Lyon to Amla, 1 run, very full and on the leg, Amla turns it past square leg this time for one more

29.4 Lyon to Amla, no run, floated up, Amla whips it to square leg

29.4 Lyon to Amla, no run, floated up, Amla whips it to square leg

29.3 Lyon to Amla, 2 runs, turning in, Amla gets back and whips it through mid wicket for two more

29.2 Lyon to Amla, no run, floated up, Amla looks to drive it through cover but gets a thick inside edge to mid wicket

29.1 Lyon to Amla, no run, slow turn in, Amla turns it on the onside

28.6 Mitchell Johnson to Amla, 1 run, short of length and well outside off, Amla stands up tall and punches it to sweeper cover for one more

28.5 Mitchell Johnson to Graeme Smith, 1 run, full and on the leg from round the wicket, Smith punches it down to long on for one

28.3 Mitchell Johnson to Amla, no run, short ball banged in hard but it is wide outside off and Amla shoulders arms

28.2 Mitchell Johnson to Graeme Smith, 1 run, short of length and directed into the ribs, Smith hops up and nudges it on the offside for one more

28.1 Mitchell Johnson to Graeme Smith, no run, Mitchell Johnson continues from round the wicket and goes full and wide outside off now. good thinking that after peppering him with short ones. Smith falls for the trap and goes after it but fortunately for him, does not get the edge

27.6 Lyon to Amla, no run, floated up, Amla jumps down the track and tries to turn it on the onside but misses and is hit on the pads

27.5 Lyon to Amla, no run, tossed up and on the off, Amla pushes it back to Lyon

27.4 Lyon to Graeme Smith, 3 runs, turning away outside off, Smith waits for it and dabs it late past the man at slip for three more. There have been plenty of threes today

27.2 Lyon to Graeme Smith, no run, was that a drop? Does not look so. It was short and turning away outside off, Smith goes for the cut but misses

27.1 Lyon to Amla, 1 run, floated up and very full, Amla punches it down the track and past Lyon

26.6 Mitchell Johnson to Graeme Smith, no run, full and straight, Smith punches it back down the track

26.5 Mitchell Johnson to Graeme Smith, no run, another short delivery. Well directed too. It could be quite awkward to pick Mitchell Johnson's action from round the wicket

Ponting comes in at leg-slip.

26.4 Mitchell Johnson to Graeme Smith, no run, short again from round the wicket, Smith ducks under

26.3 Mitchell Johnson to Graeme Smith, no run, short again and into the body, Smith moves across and tries to help it on the onside but misses

Mitchell Johnson goes round the wicket to Graeme Smith now.

26.2 Mitchell Johnson to Amla, 1 run, the partnership between Amla and Graeme Smith is now 150. Poor bowling from Mitchell Johnson. Digs it short once more and goes down the legside too. Amla hops ups and works it down to fine leg for a single

26.1 Mitchell Johnson to Amla, 2 runs, Mitchell Johnson continues to dig it short and provide width outside off. Amla stays back and punches it with ease through sweeper cover

25.6 Lyon to Graeme Smith, no run, full and on the leg, Smith turns it softly to backward square leg

25.5 Lyon to Amla, 1 run, a low full toss on the leg, Amla punches it along the ground to long on for one more

25.4 Lyon to Amla, no run, Lyon turns it down the legside now, Amla misses the flick

25.3 Lyon to Amla, FOUR, exquisite batting from Amla. He dances down the track to a flighted delivery and lofts it nicely to the extra cover fence. top shot

25.2 Lyon to Amla, no run, the third umpire had been called for as Ponting hits the stumps directly again but Smith is safe. Amla had whipped this straight to Ponting at mid wicket. He spots Graeme Smith backing up too far and has a shy. Graeme Smith was up to it though and dives back to get in

25.1 Lyon to Amla, FOUR, no one is being allowed to settle down. The first ball of Lyon's new spell has been dispatched to the extra cover fence with beautiful timing

Nathan Lyon [3.0-1-13-0] is back into the attack

24.6 Mitchell Johnson to Amla, 1 run, outside off again, Amla punches it to Cowan at sweeper cover for just a single

24.5 Mitchell Johnson to Amla, no run, good length and on the off now, Amla gets right behind the line to block

24.4 Mitchell Johnson to Graeme Smith, 3 runs, short and outside off, Smith does not move much. He just stands up tall and punches it nicely between cover and point

24.3 Mitchell Johnson to Amla, 1 run, full and width outside off, Amla drives it square on the offside for one more

24.2 Mitchell Johnson to Amla, no run, banged in short by Mitchell Johnson. Amla was initially trying to evade and arches back but sticks his bat out late in an attempt to guide it over the keeper but misses it

24.1 Mitchell Johnson to Graeme Smith, 1 run, angled in, Smith stands up tall and turns it behind square on the onside for one

23.6 Michael Hussey to Amla, FOUR, banged in short by Michael Hussey. At his pace, those are easy pickings for Amla who is constantly on the lookout for a boundary in this innings. He gets back and pulls it nicely through mid wicket to get one more

23.5 Michael Hussey to Graeme Smith, 1 run, full and straight, Smith punches it in front of mid on for a single

23.4 Michael Hussey to Amla, 1 run, full and straight, Amla gets a thick inside edge through square leg again for one

23.3 Michael Hussey to Graeme Smith, 1 run, on a good length and very straight, Smith works it through square leg for one more

23.3 Michael Hussey to Graeme Smith, wide, Michael Hussey goes too far outside off and is called a wide

23.2 Michael Hussey to Amla, 1 run, on the off again, Amla jumps across and whips it down to deep mid wicket for a single

23.1 Michael Hussey to Amla, 2 runs, Michael Hussey starts with a short delivery wide outside off, Amla reaches out and dabs it down to third man for a couple

Michael Hussey, right-arm medium, comes into the attack

22.6 Mitchell Johnson to Amla, 1 run, on the middle and leg, Amla turns it through square leg for one more

22.5 Mitchell Johnson to Graeme Smith, 1 run, angled into the body and very short, Smith is hit high on the bat as he turns it behind square on the onside for one

22.4 Mitchell Johnson to Amla, 1 run, on a good length and just outside off, Amla drops it in front of point for another quick single

22.3 Mitchell Johnson to Graeme Smith, 1 run, vey straight in line from Mitchell Johnson, Smith flicks it down to deep mid wicket and ambles across for one

22.2 Mitchell Johnson to Graeme Smith, no run, on a good length and well outside off, Smith blocks it watchfully

22.1 Mitchell Johnson to Amla, 1 run, Amla is just toying with the bowling. This was slanted across and well outside off. Amla jumps across and works it down to deep mid wicket for just one

Mitchell Johnson [3.0-0-17-1] is back into the attack

Clarke has a long chat with Johnson between overs.

21.6 Hastings to Amla, 1 run, Amla taps a good length delivery wide of point and Graeme Smith was ambling across for the single. He takes evasive action thinking that the throw from Ponting was coming towards him but still manages to ground the bat in time

Ponting has scored a direct hit and the third umpire has been called for. Smith is safe though.

21.5 Hastings to Amla, 2 runs, Amla is not holding back at all. This was a full delivery and well outside off, Amla reaches out and throws his bat out at it. He does not time it too well and it lobs up in the third man area

21.4 Hastings to Graeme Smith, 1 run, on a good length and outside off, Smith pushes it wide of mid off for a single

21.3 Hastings to Amla, 1 run, Yet another FIFTY for Amla. He gets there by chopping a short delivery down to deep point. This has been a superb innings from him

21.2 Hastings to Amla, 2 runs, on a good length and well outside off, Amla dabs it down to third man for an easy couple

21.1 Hastings to Amla, no run, on a good length and well outside off, Amla jumps across and tries to whip it on the onside but ends up chipping it back down the track

20.6 Starc to Graeme Smith, 2 runs, slanted in, Smith gets back and whips it down to deep mid wicket for a couple

20.5 Starc to Graeme Smith, no run, goes over says the ball tracking system much to Australi's dismay. It was a good delivery from Starc. Smith was caught in the crease to a delivery nipping in. The infamous Perth bounce comes to Smith's rescue. He missed the flick and it hit him above the knee roll but on the back leg. Australia do not seem impressed with the overturn

Asad Rauf has given Smith LBW but he decides to review it. Amla was the one who asked Smith to go for it. The bounce could save him. It did hit him on the back leg though.

20.4 Starc to Graeme Smith, no run, back of a length delivery outside off, left alone by Smith

20.3 Starc to Graeme Smith, FOUR, short and wide delivery outside off, Smith crashes it to sweeper cover for the third boundary in the over, he is finding the gap beautifully here

20.2 Starc to Graeme Smith, FOUR, straight down the ground, the partnership between Graeme Smith and Amla is now

20.1 Starc to Graeme Smith, FOUR, Graeme Smith brings up his FIFTY in great style. It was another short delivery. The length has been very poor in this innings. Smith leans back and cuts it through gully

19.6 Hastings to Amla, no run, short of a good length outside off, punched off the back foot to cover

19.5 Hastings to Amla, no run, back of a length ball just outside off, Amla defends it

19.4 Hastings to Graeme Smith, 1 run, short ball outside off, Smith walks to the off side and drags the pull to the deep square leg fence

19.3 Hastings to Amla, 3 runs, short ball outside off, Amla hacks it to square third man and Lyon slides to his left to pull it back just in front of the ropes, three runs results

19.2 Hastings to Amla, FOUR, this is so unlike Amla, full ball outside off, Amla throws his bat at it and ends up slicing it to the third man fence

19.1 Hastings to Amla, no run, full ball and very wide outside off, Amla strolls along to the off side and drives it to short extra cover

John Hastings [3.0-0-26-0] is back into the attack

18.6 Starc to Graeme Smith, no run, good length ball on the stumps, Smith blocks it

18.5 Starc to Graeme Smith, FOUR, edged but safe, full and wide delivery outside off, Smith reaches out and goes for the drive, the outside edge flies over the slips and to the third man fence

18.4 Starc to Graeme Smith, no run, full and just outside off, Smith defends it solidly

18.3 Starc to Graeme Smith, 2 runs, pitched up and angled in, Smith clips it down to deep mid wicket for a couple

18.2 Starc to Graeme Smith, no run, on a good length and very straight, Smith pushes it to mid on

18.1 Starc to Amla, 1 run, short of length and well outside off, Amla stands up tall and punches it down to deep point for one

Mitchell Starc [4.0-0-29-0] is back into the attack

17.6 Lyon to Amla, 1 run, tossed up and very straight, Amla works it down to deep mid wicket

17.5 Lyon to Amla, 2 runs, floated up outside off, Amla reaches out and guides it square on the offside for a couple

17.4 Lyon to Graeme Smith, 1 run, just outside off now, Smith gets back and works it through mid wicket for an easy single

17.3 Lyon to Graeme Smith, no run, on the off again, Smith gets deep in the crease to block it

17.2 Lyon to Graeme Smith, no run, tossed up outside off, Smith blocks it on the offside

17.1 Lyon to Graeme Smith, no run, tossed up on the off, Smith nudges it to short leg, Cowan fires in a smart throw but Smith was alert to it

16.6 Shane Watson to Graeme Smith, 1 run, outside off again, Smith works it wide of mid on for a quick single

16.5 Shane Watson to Graeme Smith, no run, good length and well outside off, Smith does not offer a shot

16.4 Shane Watson to Graeme Smith, no run, full and outside off, Smith punches it to mid on

16.3 Shane Watson to Graeme Smith, no run, full and well outside off, Smith does not offer a shot

16.2 Shane Watson to Graeme Smith, no run, good length and very straight, Smith nudges it on the onside

16.1 Shane Watson to Amla, 1 run, a direct hit now but Amla is well in. He punched this wide of mid off and it was his call for the run. Taken with ease

15.6 Lyon to Graeme Smith, no run, full and on the middle and leg, Smith turns it straight to the fielder at mid wicket

15.5 Lyon to Graeme Smith, no run, Smith walks down the track prematurely and is done in by the drift. He does not get to the pitch of the delivery and neds up getting a soft inside edge onto his pads. Did not look comfortable at all

15.4 Lyon to Graeme Smith, FOUR, short and sliding on outside off, Smith tries the cut but gets it on the bottom of the bat. Fortunately for him it races to the third man fence

15.3 Lyon to Amla, 3 runs, turning in but still outside off, Amla just walks across and still manages to work it in the gap through mid wicket for three

15.2 Lyon to Amla, 2 runs, floated up and well outside off, Amla flicks it along the ground through mid wicket for another couple

15.1 Lyon to Amla, no run, long time since the ball went past the bat. Good bowling from Lyon. It slides on outside off and bounces up high, Amla goes for the cut but does not make contact

14.6 Shane Watson to Graeme Smith, FOUR, the runs just do not stop flowing. South Africa are racing away with the game here. Nothing too wrong with the delivery. There was not too much width outside off, Smith leans back and cuts it superbly past gully. Cowan's dive goes in vain.

14.5 Shane Watson to Graeme Smith, no run, full and outside off, Smith walks across and nudges it to mid on

14.4 Shane Watson to Amla, 1 run, on a good length and on the off, Amla gets a soft leading edge in front of cover and takes a quick single

14.3 Shane Watson to Amla, 2 runs, good length and outside off again, Amla gets back and punches it wide of point for another couple

14.2 Shane Watson to Amla, 2 runs, full and outside off now, Amla does a Graeme Smith and walks across to pick it from that line to whip it down to deep backward square leg

14.1 Shane Watson to Amla, FOUR, Amla is in sublime form. What a shot this is! Yes. It was full and in the slot for the straight drive but Amla does it so elegantly. Watson did not have enough time to even bend down on his follow through. It just screeched past him.

Shane Watson [3.0-2-2-0] is back into the attack

13.6 Lyon to Graeme Smith, no run, Lyon starts off with a maiden over. Another full delivery on the middle and leg, Smith cannot get it past mid on

13.5 Lyon to Graeme Smith, no run, floated up again, Smith pushes it back down the track

13.4 Lyon to Graeme Smith, no run, slow off break but well outside off, Smith leaves it watchfully

13.3 Lyon to Graeme Smith, no run, floated up again, Smith punches it to mid on

13.2 Lyon to Graeme Smith, no run, tossed up and outside off, Smith gets right behind the line to block it well

13.1 Lyon to Graeme Smith, no run, floated up on the leg, Smith picks it on the full and clips it firmly to mid wicket

Nathan Lyon, right-arm off break, comes into the attack

Clarke opts for some change of pace. He desperately needs a good spell from one of his bowlers.

12.6 Starc to Amla, FOUR, more width outside off and Amla is loving it. He reaches out and drives it powerfully past backward point for an easy boundary

12.5 Starc to Amla, no run, full and just outside off, Amla jams it towards point

12.4 Starc to Graeme Smith, 1 run, very straight now, Smith nudges it through mid wicket for an easy single

12.3 Starc to Amla, leg byes, 1 run, full and on the leg, Amla misses the flick and is hit on the outside part of the front pad. They still take one for it

12.2 Starc to Amla, no run, on a good length and on the off, Amla stands up tall and blocks it solidly

12.1 Starc to Graeme Smith, 3 runs, short and outside off again, Smith punches it past poinnt. It was racing away to the boundary but Warner comes in just at the moment and pulls it inches inside the ropes. Excellent effort

Mitchell Starc [3.0-0-21-0] is back into the attack

11.6 Hastings to Amla, no run, full and outside off now, Amla leans forward to dominate

11.5 Hastings to Amla, FOUR, South Africa are intent in dominating. This shot tells you that. There was a man at point and this did not go too far away from him but he could only watch it scream past him. Short and wide outside off, poor bowling but Amla just put everything into that cut to pick up yet another boundary

11.4 Hastings to Amla, 2 runs, short of length and well outside off, Amla stands up tall and punches it down to sweeper cover for a couple

11.3 Hastings to Graeme Smith, 1 run, pitched up and outside off, Smith punches it to mid off

11.2 Hastings to Graeme Smith, FOUR, Smith is dealing only in boundaries now. This was not a bad delivery at all. Tha angle was from over the wicket and it pitched on middle and off. Smith still walks across to flick it from that line to wide of the keeper to the fine leg fence. Quite an incredible shot!

11.1 Hastings to Graeme Smith, no run, on a good length and just outside off, Smith stands up tall to block it

10.6 Mitchell Johnson to Graeme Smith, 1 run, full and outside off, Smith gets a thick outside edge but fortunately for him it does not carry to gully. A fumble allows him the single

The impact of Petersen's wicket is fading away quickly. These two are scoring at more than 5 per over.

10.5 Mitchell Johnson to Graeme Smith, FOUR, poor line again and Smith cashes in. Slanted into the pads again, Smith is very strong in that area. This time he stays back and flicks it firmly to the backward square leg fence

10.4 Mitchell Johnson to Graeme Smith, no run, just outside off now, Smith gets right behind the line to block it well

10.3 Mitchell Johnson to Amla, 3 runs, on the middle and leg, Amla works it down to deep square leg and they pick three once more

10.2 Mitchell Johnson to Amla, FOUR, short and width outside off, Amla spots a big gap between cover and mid off and smashes it neatly through it for another boundary

10.1 Mitchell Johnson to Amla, no run, on a good length and just outside off, Amla defends it solidly on the offside

9.6 Hastings to Graeme Smith, FOUR, poor line and length from Hastings and Smith does not miss out. It was full and angled into the pads from round the wicket. Smith clips it off his pads and all he needed to do was get it past the man at square leg to pick up a boundary

9.5 Hastings to Graeme Smith, no run, on a good length and outside off, Smith defends it watchfully

9.4 Hastings to Graeme Smith, no run, pitched up and well outside off from round the wicket, Smith does not offer a shot

9.3 Hastings to Amla, 3 runs, full and on the middle and leg, Amla whips it wide of deep square leg and comes back quickly for three

9.2 Hastings to Amla, no run, short of length and outside off, Amla gets back and punches it to extra cover

9.1 Hastings to Amla, no run, full and outside off, Amla defends it solidly

8.6 Mitchell Johnson to Graeme Smith, no run, nicely pitched up now, Smith leans forward and punches it to cover

8.5 Mitchell Johnson to Amla, 1 run, back of a length again, Amla hops up and nudges it behind square on the onside for an easy single

8.4 Mitchell Johnson to Amla, no run, banged in short but Amla is able to evade it without much trouble

8.3 Mitchell Johnson to Amla, no run, short of length and just outside off now, Amla hops up and knocks it down

8.2 Mitchell Johnson to Amla, no run, pitched up nicely just outside off, Amla punches it to mid on

8.1 Mitchell Johnson to Amla, byes, FOUR, Mitchell Johnson has found some inswing with that delivery! That is a dangerous sign. It was on the wrong line though, slides down the legside. Amla misses the flick and Wade cannot get there

7.6 Hastings to Graeme Smith, no run, good length and well outside off, Smith shoulders arms now

7.5 Hastings to Graeme Smith, FOUR, the crowd is getting vocal but Graeme Smith mutes them with another crisp shot. It was full and on the off, Smith walks across and flicks it neatly through mid wicket for another boundary

7.4 Hastings to Graeme Smith, FOUR, good shot from Graeme Smith. It was full and well outside off, Smith walks into the shot, reaches out and drives it firmly wide of mid off. It gathers pace as it nears the boundary and the fielder gives up the chase

7.3 Hastings to Graeme Smith, no run, short of length and just outside off, Smith chops it onto his boots

7.2 Hastings to Graeme Smith, no run, full and well outside off again, Smith does not offer a shot

7.1 Hastings to Graeme Smith, no run, on a good length and well outside off, Smith shoulders arms

John Hastings, right-arm fast medium, comes into the attack

Hashim Amla, right handed bat, comes to the crease

6.6 Mitchell Johnson to Petersen, out Caught&Bowled!! Excellent catch that from Mitchell Johnson. It was a very good delivery before that. A short, pacy delivery directed into the body. Petersen is late on the shot as he tries to turn it on the onside but gets a leading edge and it lobs up in the air, not far away from the pitch on the offside. Mitchell Johnson races forward, dives full length and takes it with both hands just inches above the ground. An absolutely terrific effort and that will lift the Australian spirits early. Petersen c and b Mitchell Johnson 23(20) [4s-4]

Mitchell Johnson to Petersen, THATS OUT!! Caught&Bowled!!

Johnson seems to have taken a blinder here.

6.5 Mitchell Johnson to Graeme Smith, 1 run, Mitchell Johnson strays down the legside, Smith helps it down to fine leg for an easy single

6.4 Mitchell Johnson to Graeme Smith, no run, short of length and very straight, Smith turns it to mid wicket

6.3 Mitchell Johnson to Petersen, 1 run, very straight in line, Petersen taps it in the vacant mid wicket area for another quick single

6.2 Mitchell Johnson to Graeme Smith, 1 run, very good running this between the two. Short again, Smith dabs it in front of point and turns around to lookg at Petersen whoe was already sprinting down the track. Easily taken

6.1 Mitchell Johnson to Petersen, 1 run, Mitchell Johnson starts off with a well directed short one, Petersen stands up tall and nudges it behind square on the onside for one

That will be Tea on Day 2. The openers have survived some nervy moments in the short mini-session. The lead has progressed along to 86. Petersen has looked very positive while Smith is taking his time to settle. Australia have their task cut out when play resumes in 15 minutes time.

5.6 Shane Watson to Graeme Smith, no run, on a length around off, Smith gets across and tucks it towards square leg

5.5 Shane Watson to Graeme Smith, no run, fuller length delivery outside off, Smith shuffles across and defends it back towards the bowler

5.4 Shane Watson to Graeme Smith, no run, full and outside off, Smith closes the face of the bat and drives it back towards the bowler

5.2 Shane Watson to Graeme Smith, no run, on a good length around off, Smith walks down the track and defends it towards the onside

5.1 Shane Watson to Petersen, leg byes, 1 run, full and on the pads, Petersen looks to flick and misses, the ball rolls off the pads towards square leg

4.6 Starc to Petersen, 1 run, much better from Petersen, presents the full face of the bat as he drives a full ball wide of cover for a single

4.5 Starc to Petersen, FOUR, edged and four, Petersen is living dangerously, hangs his bat at one pitched outside off and shaping away, gets a thick outside edge that flies in the gap between slips and gully

4.4 Starc to Petersen, no run, loose, loose swish from Petersen, goes chasing after a full and very wide ball and misses, reminiscent of his dismissal in the second innings at the Gabba

4.3 Starc to Petersen, FOUR, nicely done by Petersen, Starc shortens his length on off, Petersen opens the face of the bat and steers it in the gap between slips and gully

4.2 Starc to Graeme Smith, 1 run, Starc drifts one on the pads, tucked behind square for a single

4.1 Starc to Graeme Smith, no run, this one pitched outside off and shapes back in, Smith gets stuck in his crease as he looked to defend. Replays suggest that he was struck marginally outside off and the height was a concern as well, you will not get too many LBWs at the WACA

Loud call for LBW, umpire Rauf is unmoved. Australia will not take a review

3.6 Shane Watson to Graeme Smith, 1 run, Smith is off the mark, gets forward to a well pitched up ball and pushes it towards mid-on for a quick single

3.4 Shane Watson to Graeme Smith, no run, full and angling back in, Smith gets across and clips it straight to the fielder at square leg. He lets in a throw, Warner dives across and saves some overthrows

3.3 Shane Watson to Graeme Smith, no run, full and a hint of swing back in, Smith pushes at that, gets an inside edge towards square leg

3.2 Shane Watson to Graeme Smith, no run, loud shout for LBW, but umpire Kettleborough is unmoved, Clarke does not take a review either. This was pitched up and nips back in slightly, Smith was shuffling across in defence and is rapped high on the pads. Hawk-Eye suggests that the ball was going over the top of the stumps

3.1 Shane Watson to Petersen, 1 run, Petersen is strong on anyting on his pads, this was pitched up and on the pads, he flick it to the right of Cowan who dives and saves some runs

2.6 Starc to Graeme Smith, no run, on a good length outside off and holding its line, left alone

2.5 Starc to Petersen, 1 run, much better from Starc, pitches this one on off and gets it to nip back in, Petersen pushes at that and gets an inside edge towards the onside for a single

2.4 Starc to Petersen, FOUR, wrong line from Starc, strays this one on the pads, Petersen gets inside the line and flicks it very fine for a boundary

2.3 Starc to Petersen, no run, back of a length delivery outside off, Petersen gets across and punches it towards cover point

1.2 Shane Watson to Graeme Smith, no run, full and slanting across the left hander, Smith gets across and defends it towards the off-side

1.1 Shane Watson to Graeme Smith, no run, Smith shuffles a long way across his stumps as he looked to flick, the ball clips the thigh guard on its way to the keeper. Wade flung the ball in the air in celebration, the rest were convinced that there was a nick as well. Umpire Kettleborough remained unmoved

Loud shout for a catch. Will they review. NO

Shane Watson, right-arm fast medium, comes into the attack

0.6 Starc to Petersen, no run, fuller length delivery outside off and shaping away, Petersen is happy to let it go

0.5 Starc to Petersen, no run, on a length around middle and shaping back in, Petersen looks to flick and is struck on the thigh pad

0.4 Starc to Petersen, 2 runs, Starc drifts this one on the pads, tucked behind square for a brace

0.3 Starc to Petersen, FOUR, fortunate boundary, this was full and swinging away, Petersen was looking to drive, makes a late decision to withdraw his bat, the ball skim soff the inside edge and past the keeper to the fence

0.2 Starc to Petersen, no run, full and angling well down the leg, Petersen looks to flick and misses

Three slips and a gully

0.1 Starc to Petersen, no run, short of a length on off and holding its line, Petersen gets across and defends it solidly

Petersen and Graeme Smith are at the crease. Petersen is on strike. Starc will open the attack

A handy 62 run first innings lead for South Africa, such scores can turn into a match winning lead on a responsive surface. Peterson was the man for the visitors in the post lunch session as he claimed all the three wickets to fall. Wade top scored with 68 while Hastings contributed a valuable 32. South Africa now have a chance to bat Australia out of the contest. The 25 minutes before Tea can be the most important phase of this match. Will Australia fightback with the ball or will South Africa close the door firmly on them? Join us in a while.

53.1 Peterson to Hastings, out Caught by Petersen!! Lovely catch from Petersen. The two Peters join together to mop up the last wicket. This was nicely tossed up by Peterson, invites Hastings to have a go at him, Hastings shimmies down the track, gets a lot of height but not the distance. Petersen keeps his eyes fixed on the ball, takes the catch and realises that he was stepping over the ropes, throws the ball back in play in the nick of time before stepping across the ropes, gets back and completes the catch on the second attempt. Everyone is pretty convinced about the effort as they walk off to the pavilion. Australia have been bowled out for 163.Hastings c Petersen b Peterson 32(58) [4s-4]

Peterson to Hastings, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

52.6 Morne Morkel to Starc, no run, another flash and a miss from Starc, Morkel shortens his length outside off and gets it to move away, Starc went for the booming drive and missed

52.5 Morne Morkel to Starc, no run, full and outside off, no seam or swing on that, Starc went for the drive and missed

52.4 Morne Morkel to Hastings, 1 run, on a good length outside off and holding its line, Hastings taps it to the right of cover point for a single

52.2 Morne Morkel to Hastings, no run, short and loopy from Morne Morkel, Hastings backs away and looks to cut, misses

52.1 Morne Morkel to Hastings, no run, short of a length and on off, Hastings gets behind the line and defends it

51.6 Peterson to Starc, no run, tossed up on off, Starc lunges forward in defence

Mitchell Starc, left handed bat, comes to the crease

51.5 Peterson to Mitchell Johnson, out Bowled!! Beautifully bowled by Peterson, slows this one in the air, gets it to dip on Johnson, he went for the slog sweep and missed, the ball went through the gate and rattles the middle stump. Peterson has responded to the call of his skipper, he has two wickets now and Australia are down to their last pair. Mitchell Johnson b Peterson 7(22)

Peterson to Mitchell Johnson, THATS OUT!! Bowled!!

51.4 Peterson to Mitchell Johnson, no run, flighted and on off, Johnson gets back in defence

51.3 Peterson to Mitchell Johnson, no run, pushed through by Peterson, turned towards the onside

51.2 Peterson to Mitchell Johnson, no run, flighted on off, Johnson stays back and punches it back towards the bowler

51.1 Peterson to Mitchell Johnson, no run, tossed up on off, Johnson gets back in defence

50.6 Morne Morkel to Hastings, no run, on a length and just outside off, Hastings gets well forward and defends it towards cover

50.5 Morne Morkel to Hastings, no run, he does not play this short ball well, Morne Morkel bangs another one short, Hastings takes his eyes off the ball as he fends at it awkwardly, the ball goes off the gloves and drops in front of short leg

50.4 Morne Morkel to Hastings, no run, good short ball from Morne Morkel, but Hastings plays it really well, drops his gloves and gets out of the line

50.3 Morne Morkel to Mitchell Johnson, 1 run, length ball on the pads, tucked wide of mid-wicket for a single

50.2 Morne Morkel to Mitchell Johnson, no run, full and on off, Johnson gets forward and drives it back towards the bowler

50.1 Morne Morkel to Mitchell Johnson, no run, Morne Morkel comes from round the wicket and slants this one short and well down the leg, left alone

50.1 Morne Morkel to Mitchell Johnson, no run, Morne Morkel comes from round the wicket and slants this one short and well down the leg, left alone

49.6 Peterson to Hastings, no run, Peterson flattens this one on the pads, turned towards mid-wicket

49.5 Peterson to Hastings, FOUR, the best of the three boundaries, this was well tossed up on off, Hastings gets across and sweeps it with the turn over mid-wicket, just one bounce and over the ropes for a boundary

49.4 Peterson to Hastings, FOUR, these are handy runs for Hastings, Peterson tosses this one on middle, Hastings backs away slightly, opens up the leg side and lofts it over mid-on for a boundary

49.3 Peterson to Hastings, FOUR, Hastings uses the long handle to good effect, clears the left leg to one that was tossed up and heaves it over mid-on, has enough power to beat the chasing fielder to the ropes

49.2 Peterson to Hastings, no run, loud appeal for LBW, only Peterson was interested in it, full and on the pads, Hastings looks to turn it towards the onside and misses, the ball was angling down leg though

49.1 Peterson to Hastings, no run, pushed through by Peterson, Hastings turns it straight to short leg

Drinks are on the field now. Australia have lost their top scorer in the hour after lunch but have also added 42 runs as well.

48.6 Morne Morkel to Mitchell Johnson, no run, flash and a miss, this was thrown up short and wide outside off, Johnson went for the cut and missed again

48.5 Morne Morkel to Mitchell Johnson, no run, this was short and very wide outside off, Johnson went for the upper cut over the cordon, there was a noise and the Proteas were convinced. Umpire Kettleborough said NO and the replays vindicate him. South Africa have lost a review

Loud shout for a catch, will South Africa review? They will. This was very short and wide outside off, Johnson went chasing after that, did he get a nick on that? There was a sound as the ball went past the bat. HOT-SPOT does not suggest an edge as well. Johnson should be safe

48.4 Morne Morkel to Mitchell Johnson, no run, full and just outside off, holds its line after pitching, Johnson lifts his bat and lets it go

48.3 Morne Morkel to Mitchell Johnson, no run, short of a length and angling back in, Johnson was very late on the pull, gets a toe edge towards the off-side

48.2 Morne Morkel to Mitchell Johnson, no run, Johnson takes another blow on his body, this was short and angling back in, Johnson drops his gloves and lets the ball strike his arm, he does not flinch one bit

48.1 Morne Morkel to Mitchell Johnson, no run, short of good length outside off and holding its line, left alone

47.6 Peterson to Mitchell Johnson, 1 run, Peterson gives this one more air, Johnson camly pats it towards deep mid-on for a single

47.5 Peterson to Hastings, 1 run, flatter and drifting onto the pads, nudged in front of short fine for a single

47.4 Peterson to Hastings, no run, flighted and on off, Hastings gets back in defence

47.3 Peterson to Hastings, no run, tossed up on the pads, Hastings defends it towards the onside

47.2 Peterson to Mitchell Johnson, 1 run, flatter and outside off, Johnson punches it wide of mid-off for a single

Three men round the bat for Mitchell Johnson

47.1 Peterson to Hastings, 1 run, tossed up by Peterson, Hastings pushes it towards deep mid-on for a single

46.6 Morne Morkel to Mitchell Johnson, no run, fuller length delivery outside off and holding its line, left alone

46.5 Morne Morkel to Mitchell Johnson, 2 runs, full and a hint of shape away, Johnson covers the line and unfurls a drive past cover for a brace

46.4 Morne Morkel to Hastings, 1 run, sloppy from Steyn, gets an awkward bounce off a drive at mid-wicket, allows the ball to go through him. He recovers well and limits the damage to a single

46.3 Morne Morkel to Mitchell Johnson, 1 run, back of a length and on middle, Mitchell Johnson turns it wide of mid-wicket for a single

46.2 Morne Morkel to Mitchell Johnson, no run, good short ball from Morne Morkel, Johnson did not pick it up one bit as he took his eyes away from the ball, gets smacked on the arm guard

46.1 Morne Morkel to Mitchell Johnson, no run, on a good length around off, Johnson gets right behind the line in defence

45.5 Peterson to Wade, out Bowled!! Peterson strikes! This is a big wicket for South Africa, this was full and just outside off, not the line to be attempting the slog sweep. Wade goes for the shot towards the cow corner, misses it and the ball spins back to rattle the timber. Peterson is all fired up, the change in bowling has paid rich dividends. Wade b Peterson 68(102) [4s-7 6s-3]

Peterson to Wade, THATS OUT!! Bowled!!

45.4 Peterson to Hastings, 1 run, full and on the stumps, nudged past mid-wicket for a single

45.3 Peterson to Hastings, no run, tossed up just outside off and holding its line, Hastings pushes down the wrong line and misses

45.2 Peterson to Hastings, no run, and Hastings nearly fell into the trap, this was bowled slower, tossed up on off, Hastings went for an ugly hoick across the line and gets a thick edge that drops well short of Steyn at short third man

45.1 Peterson to Hastings, no run, tossed up outside off and holding its line, left alone

Robin Peterson [4.0-0-26-0] is back into the attack

Just one slip, a short leg and a short cover

Peterson is back into the attack, he needs a better spell

44.6 Morne Morkel to Wade, no run, tad fuller and holding its line on off, Wade gets across in defence

44.4 Morne Morkel to Wade, no run, that one reared on Wade, but he played it exceedingly well, on a length and angling back in, Wade watches it all along, drops his gloves and keeps it on the ground

44.3 Morne Morkel to Wade, no run, short of a length outside off and shaping away, another easy leave for the batsman

44.2 Morne Morkel to Wade, no run, fuller and in that channel outside off, Wade does not need to play those, left alone

44.1 Morne Morkel to Wade, no run, Morne Morkel comes from round the wicket and gets this one to hold its line outside off, left alone

Morne Morkel [8.0-4-13-1] is back into the attack

43.6 Philander to Hastings, no run, tad fuller and just outside off, Hastings presents a straight bat as he defends

43.5 Philander to Hastings, no run, fuller length delivery outside off and holding its line, left alone

43.4 Philander to Hastings, no run, on a length and just outside off, Hastings gets across and defends it back towards the bowler

43.3 Philander to Hastings, FOUR, uppish but safe, that looked to be played deliberately by Hastings, this was short and outside off, Hastings gets on top of the bounce and cuts it over gully for a boundary

43.2 Philander to Hastings, no run, on a length outside off and holding its line, Hastings gets across and defends it towards the off-side

43.1 Philander to Wade, 1 run, Wade is playing on a different planet altogether, this was short and wide outside off, Wade cuts it square on the off-side, there is a man in the deep, just a single for Wade

42.6 Steyn to Wade, 1 run, short of a length and just outside off, Wade dabs it to the left of point for an easy single

42.5 Steyn to Wade, no run, the short bouncer from Steyn, Wade swiveled across and went for the pull, misses it by a long way. Steyn was excited for a moment

42.4 Steyn to Wade, no run, tad fuller and holding its line on off, Wade gets across and defends it solidly

42.3 Steyn to Wade, no run, good length delivery outside off and shaping away, Wade covers the line, lifts his bat and lets it go

42.2 Steyn to Wade, no run, fuller length delivery on off, Wade gets across and defends it towards mid-on

42.1 Steyn to Hastings, 1 run, full and a hint of swing back into the batsman, Hastings tucks it wide of mid-on for a single

41.6 Philander to Hastings, 3 runs, vital runs for Australia, this was full and just outside off, Hastings leans forward, gets to the pitch of the ball and drives it past cover. Amla gives a good chase and keeps the batsmen down to three runs

41.5 Philander to Wade, 1 run, tip and run stuff from Wade, plays one wide of the bowler and calls for a quick single, Philander does well to get to the ball and hurls in a throw, the batsman was well in though

41.3 Philander to Wade, no run, full and in the slot for the drive, Wade gets forward and drives it crisply towards cover

41.2 Philander to Wade, no run, full and moving away with the angle, Wade leans forward and defends it towards the onside

41.1 Philander to Wade, no run, on a length outside off and angling away, left alone

40.6 Steyn to Hastings, no run, much better from Steyn, short of a length and just outside off, Hastings gets on top of the bounce and keeps the cut down towards cover point

40.5 Steyn to Hastings, no run, clumsy leave from Hastings, excellent bumper from Steyn, Hastings was caught in an awkward position as he looked to fend at that, the ball clips the arm guard on the way to the keeper who does well to haul the ball back in

40.4 Steyn to Hastings, no run, the bumper from Steyn, Hastings is quick to duck underneath it and lets it go

40.3 Steyn to Wade, 1 run, too straight from Steyn, Wade gets inside the line and works it past mid-wicket for a single

40.2 Steyn to Wade, no run, full and just outside off, Wade gets well forward and defends it towards cover

40.1 Steyn to Wade, no run, jaffa! Steyn pitches this one on off and gets it to shape away fractionally, Wade was left prodding from the crease, the ball whizzes past the outside edge

39.6 Philander to Wade, 1 run, Philander drifts one on the pads, easy pickings for Wade as he keeps strike with a clip behind square

39.5 Philander to Wade, no run, full and holding its line on off, Wade gets forward and defends it towards the off-side

39.4 Philander to Hastings, 1 run, Philander drifts one on the pads, Hastings nudges it wide of mid-wicket for a single

39.3 Philander to Hastings, no run, Philander shortens his length on off, Hastings gets across and defends it solidly

39.2 Philander to Hastings, no run, short of a length and just outside off, Hastings gets across and defends it towards the off-side

39.1 Philander to Hastings, 2 runs, length ball on the pads, Hastings gets inside the line and clips it behind square, he wants a second run and has to put in big strides to make his ground in the end

38.5 Steyn to Wade, no run, full and just outside off, Wade gets across and defends it back towards the bowler

38.4 Steyn to Hastings, 1 run, Hastings was a goner had Elgar made a direct hit. Silly cricket from Hastings, dabs one in front of cover and calls for a quick single, Elgar races in, aims at the stumps and misses, not even a dive could have saved Hastings

38.3 Steyn to Wade, 1 run, Steyn keeps this one full and just outside off, Wade angles his bat and gets it behind point for a single

38.2 Steyn to Wade, no run, tad fuller and just outside off, Wade gets across and defends it towards the off-side

38.1 Steyn to Wade, no run, on a length and just outside off, Wade covers the line and defends it back towards the bowler

37.6 Philander to Hastings, no run, Philander shortens his length on middle, Hastings gets across and defends it towards mid-on

37.5 Philander to Hastings, no run, much fuller this time, draws Hastings forward, but Hastings is equal to the task as he gets a good stride forward in defence

37.4 Philander to Hastings, no run, fuller length delivery outside off and shaping away, in that channel around the 5th stump, Hastings covers the line, lifts his bat and lets it go

37.3 Philander to Hastings, no run, short of a length and just outside off, Hastings gets across and defends it towards cover

37.2 Philander to Wade, 1 run, Philander drops this one short, Wade swivels across and pulls it in front of mid-wicket, he wanted a second run but Hastings wisely sends him back

37.1 Philander to Wade, no run, on a length just outside off and holding its line, Wade covers the line, lifts his bat and lets it go

36.6 Steyn to Hastings, no run, Steyn pitches this one further up, Hastings gets across and defends it towards mid-on

36.5 Steyn to Hastings, no run, another short bumper from Steyn, Hastings watches it all along and ducks underneath it

36.4 Steyn to Wade, 1 run, Wade takes on the fielder in the deep, this was banged in short by Steyn, Wade swivels across, rolls his wrists and pulls it down to Amla at deep square leg

Just two slips and a gully for Wade

36.3 Steyn to Wade, no run, on a length just outside off and holding its line, Wade gets across and defends it towards the off-side

36.2 Steyn to Wade, no run, tad full and holding its line on off, Wade gets well forward and defends it towards mid-off

36.1 Steyn to Hastings, 1 run, Hastings is off strike, a gentle loosener from Steyn, drifts one on the pads, nudged in front of mid-wicket for a single

Three slips, two gullies and a short leg for Hastings

Welcome back.. The post lunch session promises to be another cracker. Wade has just the tail left for company and they still trail by 107 runs. Any sort of a lead will be handy under these conditions.

The first hour was completely dominated by South Africa as Steyn and Philander tore through the Australian top order. However, since then, Matthew Wade has played a gem of an innings. His 55 run stand with Michael Hussey revived Australia until Morne Morkel snapped up Hussey. Wade holds the key for Australia if they are to get closer to 225. Join us in a bit for the next session.

35.6 Philander to Wade, no run, back of a length delivery and straight on middle, Wade defends it solidly and that will be lunch

35.5 Philander to Wade, no run, short of length just outside off, Wade drops his wrists and leaves it

35.4 Philander to Hastings, 1 run, once again Philander drifts onto the pads and Hastings flicks it to square leg where Amla keeps it down to a single

35.3 Philander to Hastings, no run, a bit too straight on the middle and leg stump, Hastings gets forward and clips it to mid wicket where Amla slides to his right to stop it

35.2 Philander to Hastings, no run, this delivery again straightens from a length just outside off, Hastings stabs at it and the ball rolls to gully off the outside edge

35.1 Philander to Hastings, no run, good length delivery that zips through just outside off, it nips away as Hastings gets forward and the ball beats the outside edge

34.6 Steyn to Wade, no run, another bouncer to end the over and Wade bends under it

34.5 Steyn to Wade, no run, fuller length ball on the off stump, Wade pushes it to mid off

34.4 Steyn to Wade, no run, a pacy bouncer on the stumps, Wade ducks under

34.3 Steyn to Wade, no run, good length ball and straight on middle, Wade defends it

34.2 Steyn to Wade, no run, short of a good length ball outside off, Wade punches it to cover point but this time he finds the fielder

34.1 Steyn to Hastings, leg byes, 1 run, good length ball speared in on leg stump, Hastings is beaten for pace as he tries to tickle it to fine leg, the ball rolls off the pads to the on side for a leg bye

Dale Steyn [11.0-3-33-4] is back into the attack

33.6 Philander to Wade, FOUR, edged but over the slips, short and wide delivery outside off, Wade slashes hard at it and the outside edge flies over the slips and to the third man fence

33.5 Philander to Wade, no run, back of a length delivery just outside off, punched to mid off

33.4 Philander to Hastings, 1 run, not the ideal start to your Test career but Hastings is off the mark in Tests, short of a good length ball and nipping away just outside off, Hastings pushes it to cover point and takes off for a quick single, Elgar fires a poor throw at the bowler's end as Hastings makes it to the crease with a dive

33.3 Philander to Hastings, no run, short of length ball on leg stump, Hastings tucks it to mid wicket but he does not time it well

33.2 Philander to Hastings, no run, back of a length delivery on middle and off, Hastings blocks it

33.1 Philander to Hastings, no run, fuller length ball and he keeps it close to the off stump, Hastings defends it to point

Vernon Philander [10.0-0-35-2] is back into the attack

32.6 Morne Morkel to Wade, no run, length ball around the off stump channel, Wade leaves it confidently

32.5 Morne Morkel to Wade, no run, good length ball that skids through on the middle and leg stump, Wade solidly defends it

32.4 Morne Morkel to Wade, FOUR, BAM! Cracking shot from Wade. Short ball just around the off stump, Wade camps back a touch and punches it crisply to the sweeper cover fence

32.3 Morne Morkel to Wade, no run, short ball and keeping it on the stumps, Wade ducks under

32.2 Morne Morkel to Wade, no run, full ball outside off, Wade lets it go and the ball swerves back in after going past off stump

32.1 Morne Morkel to Wade, no run, good length ball in the zone outside off, Wade lets it go

31.6 Peterson to Hastings, no run, angling in on middle, Hastings defends it

31.5 Peterson to Wade, 1 run, just short of Amla at short leg, this delivery spins back in on leg stump, Wade turns it just past short leg who falls to his right, that would have been a fantastic catch had Amla got to it

31.4 Peterson to Wade, no run, flighted delivery and given a bit more air, Wade plunges forward and blocks it

31.3 Peterson to Wade, no run, short ball and down the leg side, absolute filth from Peterson but Wade mistimes the pull to short fine leg

31.2 Peterson to Wade, SIX, what an awesome way to get to his second Test fifty, flighted delivery on the middle and leg stump, Wade sashays down the track and wallops it over mid wicket for another six, this has been a fantastic knock from the keeper, one of the spectators caught it one-handed

31.1 Peterson to Wade, no run, flatter ball on the middle and leg stump, nudged to short leg off the back foot

30.6 Morne Morkel to Hastings, no run, that was the perfect bouncer from Morne, it is close to the off stump and it climbs up on Hastings, the batsman looks to fend it to the off side but is beaten by the extra bounce and the ball just misses the outside edge

30.5 Morne Morkel to Hastings, no run, short ball but it is wide outside off, Hastings does not even play at it

30.4 Morne Morkel to Hastings, no run, back of a length delivery speared in just outside off, Hastings shoulders arms

John Hastings, right handed bat, comes to the crease

Three slips, gully, leg gully and short leg in place. South Africa on the attack.

30.3 Morne Morkel to Michael Hussey, out Caught by Graeme Smith!! Morne has broken this big stand. He stays round the wicket and angles this full ball in on the off stump, it then holds its line as Hussey pokes at it and the outside edge is snapped up by Smith at first slip. Michael Hussey c Graeme Smith b Morne Morkel 12(40) [4s-1]

30.1 Morne Morkel to Michael Hussey, no run, short ball but it is a bit too leg-sidish, Hussey easily bends under it

29.6 Peterson to Michael Hussey, 1 run, drifting in on the middle and leg stump, Hussey clips it to deep square leg

29.5 Peterson to Michael Hussey, no run, tossed up delivery on the middle and leg stump, nudged to shortish mid wicket

29.4 Peterson to Wade, 1 run, low full toss on the stumps, Wade again skips down the track and takes it on the full to drive it to long on

29.3 Peterson to Wade, no run, quicker ball pushed through on the stumps, Wade goes back and defends it

29.2 Peterson to Wade, FOUR, poor ball from Peterson, he drags it short and it sits up nicely outside off, Wade nestles onto the back foot and sweetly punches it to the sweeper cover fence, that is also the fifty partnership, this is a crucial stand for Australia

29.1 Peterson to Wade, no run, flighted delivery just outside off, Wade drives it to mid off

28.6 Morne Morkel to Michael Hussey, no run, another sharp bumper on the stumps, Hussey hops and tries to fend it down on the pitch, it rolls off the inside half of the bat and hits the pad flap to fall onto the pitch

28.5 Morne Morkel to Michael Hussey, no run, short ball on the off stump, Hussey rides the bounce and steers it to gully where du Plessis dives to his right to stop it

28.4 Morne Morkel to Michael Hussey, no run, good length ball and this is wide outside off, Hussey does not play at it

28.3 Morne Morkel to Michael Hussey, no run, short of length ball and probing away in the channel just outside off, Hussey shoulders arms

28.2 Morne Morkel to Michael Hussey, no run, Morne keeps it on a length and on middle, Hussey knocks it to point

27.6 Peterson to Wade, no run, breaking back in on leg stump, Wade pads it away to the on side

27.5 Peterson to Wade, no run, in the air but safe, this delivery kicks up on leg stump, Wade goes for the sweep but the ball lobs off the bounce and falls safely in front of the fielder at backward square leg

27.4 Peterson to Wade, SIX, KABOOM! This is wonderful to watch. Superb use of the feet by Wade. Tossed up delivery on middle, Wade dances down the track and gets to the pitch as he mauls it into the stands at wide long on, one of the spectators try to catch it but fluffs the chance and falls over

27.3 Peterson to Wade, no run, flat and straight on leg stump, Wade is solid in defence

27.2 Peterson to Wade, no run, quicker ball and keeping it on the stumps, Wade defends it

27.1 Peterson to Wade, no run, flatter delivery on middle, Wade smothers it to the ground

26.6 Morne Morkel to Michael Hussey, no run, Hussey got into an awkward tangle there, this short ball does not rise up much, Hussey takes his eyes off the ball and it hits the bat handle, it rolls to the on side and Morne stares at Hussey

26.5 Morne Morkel to Michael Hussey, no run, full ball just outside off, Hussey plunges forward and watches the ball carefully as he knocks it to the ground

26.4 Morne Morkel to Michael Hussey, no run, good length ball angled in on leg stump and it zips through, Hussey is beaten by the pace and gets hit on the thigh pad

26.3 Morne Morkel to Michael Hussey, no run, short of a good length ball and just on the off stump, Hussey judges it well and leaves it as the ball goes over the off stump

26.2 Morne Morkel to Michael Hussey, no run, the bumper and it is a bit too high, Hussey ducks under

26.1 Morne Morkel to Michael Hussey, no run, oops, Morne tumbled down as he completed his followthrough, back of a length delivery close to the off stump zone, Hussey lets it go and Morne is back up on his feet

25.6 Peterson to Wade, FOUR, this is confident batting from Wade, too full from Peterson on middle, Wade bends down and sweeps it hard to the deep square leg fence for a boundary

24.6 Morne Morkel to Wade, 2 runs, in the air but just wide of Amla at short leg, back of a length delivery but on the pads, Wade flicks it uppishly but safely to long leg for a comfortable couple

24.5 Morne Morkel to Wade, no run, short in length just outside off, Wade rides the bounce and drops it to the off side

24.4 Morne Morkel to Wade, no run, good length ball slanted in just outside off, Wade dabs it to short cover

24.3 Morne Morkel to Wade, no run, back of a length delivery and it kicks up from the deck outside off, Wade is surprised by the extra bounce and fends it along the ground to point

24.2 Morne Morkel to Wade, no run, this short ball climbs up sharply on the stumps, Wade thinks about going for the pull but realizes it is too high and backs out of the shot

24.1 Morne Morkel to Wade, no run, good length ball speared in on the middle and leg stump, Wade hops back and tucks it to short leg where Amla moves to his right to stop it, good reflexes shown

23.6 Philander to Michael Hussey, no run, back of a length delivery angled across outside off, Hussey leaves it diligently

23.5 Philander to Wade, 3 runs, an even better safe from Morne this time, Philander again drags this delivery short and on leg stump, Wade swivels and thumps the pull to long leg, Morne has a lot of ground to cover and this time he dives to his right to pull the ball back just inside the ropes

23.4 Philander to Wade, 2 runs, back of a length delivery but once again it is on the pads, Wade glances it to fine leg but Morne Morkel, who is aptly nicknamed 'Giraffe', uses his height to good advantage by diving to his left and keeping it down to a couple

23.3 Philander to Michael Hussey, 1 run, the length is a bit too short on the middle and leg stump, Hussey watches it carefully and nurdles it to square leg

23.2 Philander to Michael Hussey, no run, short of length ball and darting back in on the stumps, Hussey knows that the WACA bounce will get the ball to go over the stumps and he leaves it

23.1 Philander to Michael Hussey, no run, fuller length ball floated up just outside off, Hussey lunges forward and pushes it to point

Drinks are on the field. South Africa have owned this session. The top order was completely blown away by Steyn but Wade has played a good knock so far. The Perth crowd will be disappointed by Ricky Ponting's failure but they might be smiling later on if their local hero, Michael Hussey, gets some big runs.

22.6 Morne Morkel to Wade, no run, full and straight delivery outside off, Wade does not play at it

22.5 Morne Morkel to Wade, no run, back of a length delivery speared in on the middle and leg stump, Wade looks to work it to the leg side but the ball bounces up a touch more, the ball lobs off the thigh pad to the leg side

22.4 Morne Morkel to Wade, 2 runs, short of length ball but on the pads, Wade nurdles it to deep square leg for a couple

22.3 Morne Morkel to Wade, FOUR, WHAM! That was a sublime shot from Wade. Overpitched delivery just outside off, Wade presents the high elbow and creams the drive wide of mid off as the ball screams away to the wide long off fence

22.2 Morne Morkel to Wade, no run, slightly fuller and keeping it close to the off stump, Wade plunges forward and leaves it

22.1 Morne Morkel to Wade, no run, back of a length delivery slanted across just outside off, Wade lets it go

21.5 Philander to Wade, 1 run, a bit to straight on the pads this time from Philander, Wade works it to fine leg

21.4 Philander to Wade, FOUR, edged but safe, there was a fourth slip in place but they had taken it out a couple of balls ago, short of a length ball and it bounces up sharply, it nips away as Wade looks to punch it through the off side, gets an outside edge that flies past third slip and to the third man fence

21.3 Philander to Wade, no run, fuller length ball around the off stump, Wade defends it

21.2 Philander to Wade, SIX, CRUNCH! That is a brutal pull from Wade. Short ball just outside off, Wade gets on top of the bounce and clouts the pull shot over the ropes at deep square leg for the first six of the innings

21.1 Philander to Wade, no run, back of a length delivery just outside off, Wade blocks it down on the pitch

Vernon Philander [8.0-0-18-2] is back into the attack

20.6 Steyn to Michael Hussey, no run, fuller length ball but it is slightly wide of the off stump, Hussey does not play at it

20.5 Steyn to Michael Hussey, no run, Steyn probes away in the channel just outside off but the length is a bit too short, Hussey lets it go

20.4 Steyn to Michael Hussey, no run, short of a good length ball on middle and it nips away, Hussey lifts his bat and lets it go

20.3 Steyn to Michael Hussey, FOUR, majestic shot from Hussey, fuller length ball and Steyn is getting some shape away, Hussey presses forward and is committed to the stroke as he laces the drive to the deep extra cover fence

20.2 Steyn to Michael Hussey, no run, sharp bouncer on the stumps, Hussey ducks under

20.1 Steyn to Michael Hussey, no run, full delivery on the stumps, it moves away slightly as Hussey stabs at it, the ball rolls along the mat off the outside edge to gully

19.6 Morne Morkel to Wade, no run, back of a length delivery outside the off stump line, Wade shoulders arms

19.5 Morne Morkel to Wade, no run, Morne comes round the wicket and bowls a Harmisonesque kind of delivery, full and very wide outside off, Wade leaves it

19.4 Morne Morkel to Wade, no run, length ball but down the leg side, Wade leaves it

19.3 Morne Morkel to Wade, no run, good length ball on the middle and leg stump, Wade looks to tap it to the off side and the ball rolls to gully

19.2 Morne Morkel to Wade, no run, back of a length delivery slanting across and it climbs up from the deck, Wade lifts his bat and lets it go

19.1 Morne Morkel to Michael Hussey, 1 run, short of length ball just outside off, Hussey dabs it to short cover and takes off for a quick single, Wade is a bit hesitant in taking the single but he takes it in the end

Morne Morkel [1.0-1-0-0] is back into the attack

18.6 Steyn to Wade, no run, good length ball on middle, Wade pats it to the off side

18.5 Steyn to Wade, no run, short of length ball just outside off, Wade dabs it to point

18.4 Steyn to Wade, no run, back of a length delivery but it is not close to the off stump, Wade leaves it

18.3 Steyn to Wade, FOUR, uppish but safe, fuller length ball and just outside off, Wade comes on the front foot and square drives it on the up, it goes past the gully fielder and to the deep backward point fence

18.2 Steyn to Wade, no run, good length ball and it is a little bit closer to the off stump, Wade lets it go

18.1 Steyn to Wade, no run, full ball slanting across in the channel outside off, Wade leaves it

17.6 Philander to Michael Hussey, no run, fuller in length and snaking back in on middle, Hussey prods forward and defends it

17.5 Philander to Wade, 1 run, good length ball and darting back in on leg stump, Wade works it to backward square leg

17.4 Philander to Wade, no run, short ball just outside the off stump, Wade arches back and drops his wrists to leave it

17.3 Philander to Wade, no run, good length ball outside off, Wade does not play at it

17.2 Philander to Michael Hussey, 1 run, Wade survives a run-out chance, back of a length delivery just outside off, Hussey drops it to short cover and takes a suicidal single, Amla runs in and has a shy at the striker's end, Wade has given up but Amla misses with the throw, de Villiers backing up dives to his right to prevent some overthrows

17.1 Philander to Michael Hussey, no run, short of length ball in the channel just outside off, Hussey shoulders arms

16.6 Steyn to Wade, no run, Steyn keeps it full and hones in around the off stump corridor, Wade does not play at it

16.5 Steyn to Wade, no run, short ball just outside off, Wade yanks his head back and leaves it

16.4 Steyn to Wade, no run, full and straight ball on the off stump, Wade defends it

16.3 Steyn to Wade, no run, pitched up delivery speared across outside off, Wade gets forward and lets it go

Matthew Wade, left handed bat, comes to the crease

16.2 Steyn to Michael Clarke, out Caught by de Villiers!! That is an unplayable delivery. Probably it took a freak of a delivery to dismiss a man who is in sublime form. Good length ball angled in on the middle and leg stump line, it nips away late and it squares Clarke up totally, the outside edge is snapped up by the keeper and Australia are in a woeful position, first failure for Clarke in this series. Michael Clarke c de Villiers b Steyn 5(13)

Steyn to Michael Clarke, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

16.1 Steyn to Michael Clarke, no run, a sharp bouncer just outside off, Clarke yanks his head back and leaves it

15.6 Philander to Michael Hussey, no run, good length ball angled across in the zone outside off, Hussey lets it go

15.5 Philander to Michael Hussey, no run, good length ball that zips through on leg stump, Hussey closes the bat face as he tries to nudge it to square leg, gets a leading edge to point

15.4 Philander to Michael Hussey, 2 runs, full ball outside off, Hussey laces the drive to extra cover and some good work from Amla keeps them down to a couple

15.3 Philander to Michael Hussey, no run, back of a length delivery just outside off, Hussey knocks it to point

Michael Hussey, left handed bat, comes to the crease

15.2 Philander to Ponting, out Lbw!! Perth has been silenced and Philander gets rid of the great man. Good length ball angled in on the stumps and it zips back in, Ponting gets his front forward as he tries to defend, the ball hits him on the front pad and Philander appeals, the umpire gives it out and Ponting opts for the review, replays show that the impact was in line and was hitting middle stump, Australia have lost both their reviews. Ponting lbw b Philander 4(7)

Philander to Ponting, THATS OUT!! Lbw!!

Ponting has opted for the REVIEW. He was given OUT LBW. Was the impact outside the line of the off stump? He looks to be in trouble here. He is GONE!

15.1 Philander to Michael Clarke, 1 run, this full delivery is a bit too straight on the middle and leg stump, Clarke flicks it to fine leg

14.6 Steyn to Ponting, no run, fuller length ball on the off stump, Ponting watches it carefully and defends it back to the bowler

14.5 Steyn to Ponting, no run, pitched up and keeping it in the channel outside off, Ponting lets it go

14.4 Steyn to Ponting, no run, good length ball and holding its line in the zone outside off, Ponting shoulders arms

14.3 Steyn to Michael Clarke, 3 runs, sloppy work from Morne, length ball angled in on the pads, Clarke plants his front foot across and clips it to mid on, Morne Morkel tumbles over the ball to his right and the ball rolls to long on for three runs

14.2 Steyn to Michael Clarke, no run, short of a good length ball but angled down the leg side, Clarke misses the leg glance and de Villiers collects it

14.1 Steyn to Michael Clarke, no run, short ball and it does not rise steeply from the deck, Clarke stands tall and defends it

13.6 Philander to Michael Clarke, 1 run, short of length ball but Philander slides it onto the pads, Clarke tucks it to backward square leg to get off the mark

13.5 Philander to Michael Clarke, no run, full ball and angled in on middle, it curls awa as Clarke pushes it to mid off

13.4 Philander to Michael Clarke, no run, good length ball in the channel outside off, it veers away as Clarke thinks about playing it, he drags his bat inside the line of the delivery

13.3 Philander to Michael Clarke, no run, back of a length delivery and jagging away outside off, Clarke leaves it

13.2 Philander to Michael Clarke, no run, length ball and starting to move away on middle, Clarke defends it

13.1 Philander to Ponting, 3 runs, Ponting is going to be positive here, short ball outside off, Ponting goes after it and pulls it high over mid wicket, the timing is not spot on and it stops just in front of the ropes, Ponting gets three runs

12.6 Steyn to Michael Clarke, no run, pitched up and shaping away, Clarke solidly blocks it to mid off, excellent start for the Steyn-Gun

12.5 Steyn to Michael Clarke, no run, full ball on middle and it again snakes away, Clarke gets behind the line and defends it

Michael Clarke, right handed bat, comes to the crease

12.4 Steyn to Lyon, out Caught by du Plessis!! Another one bites the dust. South Africa are on a roll. Good length ball speared in on leg stump and it again straightens, Lyon looks to work it to the leg side but ends up getting squared up, the ball flies off the outside edge to gully where du Plessis takes a sharp catch. Lyon c du Plessis b Steyn 7(26)

Steyn to Lyon, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

Lyon is GONE!

12.3 Steyn to Ponting, 1 run, Ponting is off the mark, good length ball on middle and swerving away, Ponting dabs it to point for a quick single

12.2 Steyn to Ponting, no run, in the air but safe, good length ball slanted in on the pads, Ponting falls over as he tries to flick it, it lobs up to mid wicket but it falls safely

12.1 Steyn to Warner, out Caught by de Villiers!! After a lot of time, the decision stays. Good length delivery angled across in the channel outside off, it straightens as Warner has a loose waft at it, the ball takes the feather edge and de Villiers pouches it, Warner opted for the review but it could not save him, Australia again jolted early.Warner c de Villiers b Steyn 13(35) [4s-2]

Steyn to Warner, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

Warner has opted for the review. He has been given OUT caught behind. He took a lot of time in opting for the review. It is not a no-ball. There is no appreciable movement off the ball after it passes the edge. From one angle, there seems to be no edge. The other angle shows a mark of the sun and it is not the ball hitting the edge. What will the third umpire do? There was some sound when the ball passed the bat. He has been GIVEN OUT!

11.6 Philander to Lyon, no run, on good length in the channel just outside off, Lyon does not play at it

11.5 Philander to Lyon, no run, cracking delivery from Philander, it is slightly fuller on middle and off, it nips away and Lyon tries to get behind the line but gets beaten

11.4 Philander to Lyon, no run, short of a length ball and darting away outside off, Lyon lets it go

11.3 Philander to Warner, 1 run, length ball and slanting back in on the pads, Warner tucks it to mid wicket to get going

11.2 Philander to Warner, no run, back of a length delivery and it darts back in off the seam, but it is down the leg side and Warner leaves it

11.1 Philander to Warner, no run, good start for Philander, full ball angled across and it veers back in on middle, Warner defends it

Well, we are all set to start. The umpires are out there in the middle. The South Africans are running out onto the field. The two overnight batsmen are also coming out to the middle. Nathan Lyon has batted well so far and it will be interesting to see how long he survives.

A warm welcome to one and all for day 2 of the third and final Test between Australia and South Africa from Perth. Australia were jolted early by the loss of two early wickets. However, the focus will be on one man today. Ricky Ponting, playing his final international match, will be batting sometime today and he will look to chip in with some big runs. The action is just 15 minutes away.

An excellent day of cricket. The bowlers called the shots on a track that assisted them. Faf du Plessis did well to apply himself for South Africa to push them past 200 along with help from the tail. The bowlers came out all guns blazing to pick up two vital wickets before close of play. Steyn, Philander and Morkel will be more than a handful on this pitch. More incentive to follow us again tomorrow is that Ricky Ponting will certainly bat sometime soon. Do join us then. For now cheers and goodbye.

10.6 Steyn to Lyon, 2 runs, Lyon survives. It was a full delivery again, Lyon pushes hard and plays it uppishly but wide of mid off. That will be stumps on day one.

10.5 Steyn to Lyon, no run, on the off now, Lyon blocks it solidly and that elicits cheers from the crowd.

10.4 Steyn to Lyon, no run, another one goes past he bat. Full and moving away once more, Lyon leans out to defend but misses again

10.3 Steyn to Lyon, no run, an absolute beauty from Steyn. Too good an outswinger for Lyon and he does not even get close to it

10.2 Steyn to Lyon, no run, Steyn finds the edge again but it does not carry. It was moving outside off, Lyon pokes out and gets a thick edge but it falls short of Alviro at third slip

10.1 Steyn to Lyon, no run, good shape away but well outside off, Lyon does not offer a shot

Last over of the day coming up.

9.6 Morne Morkel to Warner, no run, excellent line once again from Morne Morkel, just outside off but Warner leaves it watchfully

9.5 Morne Morkel to Warner, no run, full and outside off now, Warner leans forward and pushes out but is beaten yet again

9.4 Morne Morkel to Warner, no run, banged in short now and outside off, Warner drops his wrists and sways away from the line sensibly

9.3 Morne Morkel to Warner, no run, short, pacy and into the body again. Warner hops up and tries to knock it down but is pinged on the thigh once again

9.2 Morne Morkel to Warner, no run, short of length and directed into the body, Warner tries to turn it on the onside but is hit on the hip

9.1 Morne Morkel to Warner, no run, good length and just outside off, Warner taps it softly to point

Morne Morkel, right-arm fast, comes into the attack

8.6 Steyn to Lyon, no run, Lyon survives an entire Steyn over. This was full again and on the off. Lyon gets right behind the line to block it well.

8.5 Steyn to Lyon, no run, pitched up and outside off again, Lyon gets a good stride forward to punch it to extra cover

8.4 Steyn to Lyon, no run, another sharp short delivery, Lyon ducks under quickly once more

8.3 Steyn to Lyon, no run, pitched up and well outside off, Lyon guides it gently towards gully

8.2 Steyn to Lyon, no run, full and straight, Lyon plays it gently to mid off

8.1 Steyn to Lyon, no run, Steyn is running in with a lot of steam. This one is a pacy bouncer and Lyon does well to duck under just in time

7.6 Philander to Warner, no run, on a good length and very straight, Warner turns it softly to mid wicket

7.5 Philander to Lyon, 3 runs, pitched up and outside off, Lyon leans forward and punches it firmly past mid off but Peterson pulls it back just inside the ropes

7.4 Philander to Lyon, no run, on a good length and very straight, Lyon stands up tall and blocks

7.3 Philander to Lyon, no run, full and straight, Lyon plays it to mid on

7.2 Philander to Lyon, no run, just outside off, Lyon watches it closely and defends again

7.1 Philander to Lyon, no run, good length and very straight, Lyon gets behind the line and pushes it down the track

6.6 Steyn to Warner, no run, Steyn goes past the bat again. It was full and well outside off, Warner looks to drive but misses it completely

6.5 Steyn to Warner, no run, full and just outside off, Warner leaves it watchfully

6.4 Steyn to Warner, no run, on a good length outside off again, Warner defends it solidly to cover

6.3 Steyn to Warner, FOUR, Steyn finds the edge but it does not go to hand. It was full and outside off, Warner played it with soft hands and appeared to have deflected it intentionally to the third man fence

6.2 Steyn to Warner, no run, very full and moving away, Warner leans out to drive but misses

6.1 Steyn to Warner, no run, a nice short delivery now, Warner watches it closely and sways away from the line

5.6 Philander to Lyon, 2 runs, full and well outside off, Lyon reaches out and guides it past gully for an easy couple

5.5 Philander to Lyon, no run, very straight again, Lyon gets right behind the line to defend

5.4 Philander to Lyon, no run, good length and just outside off, Lyon taps it on the offside

5.3 Philander to Lyon, leg byes, FOUR, Philander drifts onto leg, Lyon misses the flick and it takes the thigh before rolling very fine to the boundary

5.2 Philander to Lyon, no run, good length and very straight, Lyon defends it solidly

Nathan Lyon, right handed bat, comes to the crease

Nathan Lyon walks out to a standing ovation! The crowd thinks it is Ricky Ponting, who chuckles inside the dressing room. It takes the crowd a while to realise that the night-watchman has come in.

5.1 Philander to Shane Watson, out Lbw!! That looked plumb at first sight. full and nipping in. Watson was hit low on the front pad and replays show that was hitting middle stump. Big wicket for South Africa. Shane Watson lbw b Philander 10(12) [4s-1]

Philander to Shane Watson, THATS OUT!! Lbw!!

Very loud appeal turned down. South Africa go for the review. Watson is hit on the front pad but had a good stride forward. Will the bounce save him? Nope it doesn't.

4.6 Steyn to Warner, FOUR, pitched up nicely and well outside off, Warner leans out and punches it superbly through extra cover for a boundary. That should ease some pressure

4.5 Steyn to Warner, no run, good length and very straight, Warner stands up tall and turns it to square leg

4.4 Steyn to Warner, no run, almost paid off. It was the sucker delivery. Full and wide outside off, Warner slashes at it but is beaten. He's lucky not to have edged it

4.3 Steyn to Warner, no run, outside off again, Warner watches it very closely and leaves. Very good bowling from Steyn. He is putting a lot of pressure on Warner by keeping him quiet

4.2 Steyn to Warner, no run, nicely directed short delivery and sends Warner scurrying for cover

4.1 Steyn to Shane Watson, 3 runs, on the leg now, Watson tucks it down to deep square leg and has enough time to get back for three

3.6 Philander to Warner, no run, good length and outside off again, Warner does not offer a shot

3.5 Philander to Warner, no run, excellent delivery now. Extra bounce from a good length, rearing up quite steeply. Warner has a poke at it but misses

3.4 Philander to Warner, no run, good length and just outside off, Warner defends it to cover

3.3 Philander to Warner, no run, good length and shaping in a touch, Warner defends it solidly

3.2 Philander to Shane Watson, 1 run, very straight in line, Watson taps it softly in the vacant square leg area for a quick single

3.1 Philander to Shane Watson, no run, good length and just outside off, Watson blocks it on the offside

2.6 Steyn to Warner, no run, length delivery that zips through on leg stump, it then jags away as Warner closes the bat face and gets a leading edge to short extra cover

2.5 Steyn to Warner, no run, this delivery is on a good length and it cuts back in, Warner blocks it back to the bowler

2.4 Steyn to Warner, no run, fuller length ball and curling back in late on the off stump, Warner looks to drive it to the off side and gets an inside edge onto the pad

2.3 Steyn to Warner, no run, short of length ball in the channel just outside off, Warner shoulders arms

2.2 Steyn to Warner, no run, back of a length delivery and straight on middle, Warner defends it

2.1 Steyn to Warner, no run, good length ball in the zone just outside off, Warner shoulders arms

1.6 Philander to Shane Watson, no run, back of a length delivery and it darts away in the channel outside off, Watson drags his bat inside the line and the ball whizzes away to the keeper, fine first over from Philander

1.5 Philander to Warner, 1 run, awesome bowling this from Philander, good length ball and it bends back in late on middle, Warner gets the bat down in time and gets an inside edge that rolls to fine leg

1.4 Philander to Shane Watson, 1 run, back of a length delivery but a bit too straight on leg stump, Watson works it to fine leg

1.3 Philander to Shane Watson, no run, this delivery goes down the leg side, Watson lets it go

1.2 Philander to Shane Watson, no run, that is a pearler of a delivery from Philander, length ball and it darts back in late off the seam just outside off, Watson plays inside the line of the delivery and the ball misses both the off stump and the inside edge

1.1 Philander to Shane Watson, no run, back of a length delivery on the middle and leg stump and it starts to nip away, Watson defends it solidly

Vernon Philander, right-arm fast medium, comes into the attack

0.6 Steyn to Shane Watson, 1 run, good length ball speared in on leg stump and it straightens, Watson looks to work it to the leg side and gets a leading edge that rolls to extra cover

0.5 Steyn to Shane Watson, no run, short delivery and veering away outside off, Watson uncertainly hangs his bat out and the ball goes past the bat

0.4 Steyn to Shane Watson, FOUR, it is all happening out there, short ball and very close to the off stump, Shane watches it really carefully and late-cuts it past the gap at third slip for a boundary to third man

Shane Watson, right handed bat, comes to the crease

0.3 Steyn to Ed Cowan, out Caught by Kallis!! Horror start for Australia. Full ball angled across in the zone outside off, Cowan pushes at it uncertainly and the thick edge flies low to second slip where Kallis lunges forward to take the catch with both hands, Steyn roars in delight. Ed Cowan c Kallis b Steyn 0(1)

Steyn to Ed Cowan, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

0.2 Steyn to Warner, 3 runs, good length ball and around the off stump, Warner plunges forward and plays slightly away from the body, Warner stabs it past the gap at cover and it rolls to sweeper for three runs

0.1 Steyn to Warner, no run, woah, loose shot from Warner, short of length ball slanted away outside off, Warner looks to smash it on the up past cover but the ball goes past the edge

Warner and Ed Cowan are at the crease. Warner is on strike. Steyn will open the attack

We are all set to start. Three slips in place as Steyn charges in.

Another interesting snippet: No team that has been bowled out for less than 250 at the WACA against Australia in the first innings has gone on to win the match.

Since readmission, South Africa have been bowled out for less than 250 five times against Australia in the first innings, including this match. They have won one game and lost three.

The Australian bowlers managed to take the remaining wickets quickly but they could not dislodge Faf du Plessis. Nathan Lyon managed to wipe out the tail by dismissing both Vernon Philander and Morne Morkel. Australia will have to survive a testing period just before stumps. Join us in a bit for the Australian reply.

73.6 Lyon to Morne Morkel, out Caught by Hastings!! That is the end of the South Africa innings and Lyon wraps it up. Tossed up delivery and bowled slower through the air just outside off, Morne Morkel cannot resist the temptation and he mistimes the lofted shot straight to Hastings at mid on. Morne Morkel c Hastings b Lyon 17(15) [4s-4]

Lyon to Morne Morkel, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

73.5 Lyon to Morne Morkel, no run, flat and straight delivery on the stumps, Morne blocks it

73.4 Lyon to Morne Morkel, no run, quicker ball drifting in on the middle and leg stump, Morne goes back to block it

73.3 Lyon to du Plessis, 1 run, short and wide delivery outside off, du Plessis reaches out for it slightly and slaps the cut to sweeper cover

73.2 Lyon to du Plessis, no run, quicker ball close to the off stump, du Plessis defends it down on the pitch

71.1 Lyon to du Plessis, no run, flatter delivery on leg stump, du Plessis clips it to short leg

70.6 Mitchell Johnson to Morne Morkel, no run, back of a length delivery and straight on the stumps, Morne punches it to mid off

70.5 Mitchell Johnson to Morne Morkel, FOUR, hat-trick of boundaries from Morne, overpitched from Johnson outside off, Morne leans into the drive and wallops it to the deep extra cover fence

70.4 Mitchell Johnson to Morne Morkel, FOUR, back of a length delivery just outside off, Morne angles the bat face and guides it to the third man fence, super start from Morne

70.3 Mitchell Johnson to Morne Morkel, FOUR, short and wide delivery outside off, Morne frees his arms and crashes the cut on the up to deep point

Morne Morkel, left handed bat, comes to the crease

Drinks are on the field. Australia will look to snap up this last wicket quickly and ensure du Plessis does not score many runs.

70.2 Mitchell Johnson to Steyn, out Bowled!! Johnson gets into the act now. Poor judgement from Steyn. Back of a length delivery slanted across very close to the off stump, Steyn is in two minds whether to leave it or play it, he lifts the bat and the ball hits the bottom of the bat to clip the off stump. Steyn b Mitchell Johnson 2(11)

Mitchell Johnson to Steyn, THATS OUT!! Bowled!!

70.1 Mitchell Johnson to Steyn, no run, short and straight ball on middle, Steyn nudges it to short leg

Mitchell Johnson [15.0-3-38-1] is back into the attack

69.6 Lyon to Steyn, 1 run, flatter delivery and bouncing a touch more on the off stump, Steyn works it to backward square leg

69.5 Lyon to Steyn, no run, drifting away and full just outside off, driven back to the bowler

69.4 Lyon to du Plessis, 1 run, tossed up delivery just outside off, eased down to long on

69.3 Lyon to du Plessis, no run, flighted delivery just outside off, gets forward and drives it to mid off

69.2 Lyon to Steyn, 1 run, flatter ball on the middle and leg stump, Steyn nurdles it to mid wicket

67.5 Lyon to du Plessis, FOUR, poor fielding from Warner, rare thing indeed, flighted delivery just outside off, it is too full as du Plessis bends the back leg and crunches the drive past Warner at short extra cover, it shoots through in between his legs and races away to the deep extra cover fence

67.4 Lyon to du Plessis, no run, quicker ball slanted across just outside off, du Plessis covers the angle and blocks it

67.3 Lyon to du Plessis, 2 runs, flatter ball and going down the leg side, du Plessis glances it into the vacant space at fine leg for a couple

67.2 Lyon to du Plessis, no run, tossed up delivery on the pads, nurdled to short leg

Dale Steyn, right handed bat, comes to the crease

67.1 Lyon to Philander, out Caught by Michael Hussey!! Awesome catch by Mr. Cricket and Lyon breaks this stand. The bowler comes round the wicket and bowls a nicely flighted delivery that drifts away just outside off, Philander charges down the track and does not get to the pitch of the ball, he looks to launch it out of the stadium and into the Fremantle river, he achieves more height than distance, Michael Hussey at mid on runs back and keeps his eyes on the ball, he leaps and falls back to cling onto a wonderful catch. Philander c Michael Hussey b Lyon 30(54) [4s-2 6s-1]

Lyon to Philander, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

66.6 Shane Watson to du Plessis, no run, good length ball on leg stump, du Plessis tries to work it to mid wicket but he falls over slightly, the ball rolls of the pad to the leg side

66.5 Shane Watson to du Plessis, no run, fuller length ball angled in just around the off stump, du Plessis shoulders arms

66.2 Shane Watson to du Plessis, FOUR, sublime batting from du Plessis, overpitched and in the slot outside off, du Plessis comes on the front foot and bludgeons the drive to the deep extra cover fence

66.1 Shane Watson to du Plessis, FOUR, real loose ball from Watson, he gently runs in and bowls a short and wide delivery outside off, du Plessis smashes it on the up to sweeper cover and it purrs away to the fence

65.5 Lyon to du Plessis, FOUR, fantastic use of the wrists by du Plessis, flighted delivery but too full just outside off, du Plessis uses the wrists nicely to cream it to deep extra cover

65.4 Lyon to du Plessis, no run, quicker off-break just outside off, it hurries onto du Plessis who backs away and knocks it to the ground

65.3 Lyon to du Plessis, no run, again du Plessis dances down the track and he stabs it to mid off, good use of the feet by Faf

65.2 Lyon to du Plessis, no run, flatter delivery just outside off, du Plessis comes down the track and gets the bat close to the pad to smother it

65.1 Lyon to du Plessis, no run, quicker ball on middle, du Plessis goes on the backfoot and dabs it to point

64.6 Starc to Philander, no run, low full toss outside off, Philander bunts it without any timing to mid off

64.5 Starc to Philander, no run, back of a length delivery but it is angled away wide outside off, Philander lets it go

64.4 Starc to Philander, no run, pitched up and very close to the off stump, pushed to point

64.3 Starc to Philander, no run, on the middle and off stump line, Philander taps it to point

64.2 Starc to Philander, no run, fuller length ball on the off stump, Philander defends it to mid off

64.1 Starc to Philander, 2 runs, short ball and sitting up nicely just outside off, Philander lifts the front leg and swats it to deep square leg for a couple, that is the fifty run stand between these two, South Africa are fighting back well here

63.6 Lyon to du Plessis, no run, this off-break pitches on a good length just outside off, du Plessis goes back and blocks it

63.5 Lyon to du Plessis, no run, Lyon tosses this delivery up just outside off, du Plessis drives it to mid off

63.4 Lyon to du Plessis, no run, flat and straight ball outside off, du Plessis does not play at it

61.3 Lyon to Philander, 2 runs, this delivery kicks back in sharply on the middle and leg stump, Philander rides the bounce and works it to fine leg for a couple

61.2 Lyon to Philander, SIX, that is a monster hit from Philander, Lyon gives this delivery a lot more air outside off, Philander charges down the track and gets underneath the delivery as he wallops it high and into the stands at long on

61.1 Lyon to Philander, no run, flighted delivery just outside off, Philander plunges forward and defends it to short extra cover

Nathan Lyon [5.0-0-13-1] is back into the attack

60.6 Starc to Philander, 1 run, Starc angles this delivery in on the pads, Philander glances it to fine leg

60.4 Starc to Philander, no run, spearing in on the middle and leg stump, Philander flicks it to widish mid on

60.3 Starc to Philander, no run, good length ball outside off, Philander dabs it to point

60.2 Starc to Philander, no run, short ball banged in on the stumps, Philander bends under

60.1 Starc to Philander, no run, Starc comes from round the wicket and spears in a full ball just outside off, Philander defends it back to the bowler

59.6 Hastings to du Plessis, no run, good length ball and keeping it on the middle and leg stump line, du Plessis pushes it to mid on

59.5 Hastings to Philander, 1 run, short of length ball just outside off, Philander goes back and chops it to extra cover where Johnson slides to stop it

59.4 Hastings to Philander, FOUR, cracking shot from Philander, good length ball angled in on the off stump line, Philander presents the full face of the bat and clubs it past the outstretched right hand of Hastings, mid on dives over to his left but he cannot stop the ball from screaming away to the long on fence

59.3 Hastings to Philander, no run, back of a length delivery and Hastings keeps it on the off stumps, Philander defends it solidly

59.2 Hastings to Philander, no run, spearing it in on the middle and leg stump line, Philander clips it to mid on

59.1 Hastings to Philander, no run, pitched up and bending back in on the off stump, Philander defends it to mid on

58.6 Starc to du Plessis, no run, pitched up and closer to the off stump, du Plessis drives it to mid off

58.5 Starc to du Plessis, no run, Starc angles this full ball across and it goes straight on, du Plessis does not play at it

58.3 Starc to du Plessis, FOUR, du Plessis continues to torment the Australians, short of length ball and it goes straight on with the angle outside off, du Plessis stands tall and slaps it to deep extra cover to bring up his third successive fifty plus score, what a start for du Plessis in Tests

58.1 Starc to du Plessis, no run, loud shout for an LBW but not given, good length ball and going on with the angle just outside off, du Plessis misjudges it completely and gets hit on the back pad, Australia do not opt for the review, maybe it was going over the stumps

Mitchell Starc [12.0-3-47-2] is back into the attack

57.6 Hastings to Philander, no run, fuller length ball just outside off, defended back to the bowler

57.5 Hastings to Philander, no run, short of length ball and cutting back in on leg stump, Philander plays down the wrong line and gets hit on the thigh pad, rolls to point

57.4 Hastings to Philander, no run, back of a length delivery and angling it in on the off stump, Philander nudges it to the leg side

57.3 Hastings to Philander, no run, short of length ball just outside off, Philander hops back and punches it back to the bowler

57.2 Hastings to Philander, no run, full ball speared in on leg stump, Philander pushes it to mid on

57.1 Hastings to du Plessis, 1 run, back of a length delivery and darting in on the middle and leg stump, du Plessis tucks it to long leg

56.6 Mitchell Johnson to Philander, FOUR, edged but safe, shortish delivery around the off stump, it kicks up a touch as Philander pushes at it and the edge flies past the gap at second slip and gully for a boundary to third man

56.5 Mitchell Johnson to du Plessis, 1 run, low full toss speared across outside off, du Plessis reaches out for it and bunts it to wide mid off, Lyon dives to his left and prevents a certain boundary

56.4 Mitchell Johnson to du Plessis, no run, fuller length ball and keeping it on the off stump, du Plessis defends it back to the bowler

56.3 Mitchell Johnson to du Plessis, no run, Johnson keeps it full and it zips through close to the off stump, du Plessis looks to get behind the line of the delivery and it whizzes past the edge

56.2 Mitchell Johnson to du Plessis, no run, pitched up just outside off, du Plessis gets forward and defends it to mid off

56.1 Mitchell Johnson to du Plessis, no run, fuller length ball on the off stump, du Plessis gets forward and defends it

55.4 Hastings to du Plessis, no run, good length ball and angling it in close to the off stump, du Plessis lets it go

55.3 Hastings to du Plessis, no run, back of a length delivery outside off, du Plessis blocks it back to the bowler

55.2 Hastings to du Plessis, no run, full ball just outside off, du Plessis defends it to mid on

55.1 Hastings to du Plessis, no run, good length ball angled in on the off stump, du Plessis gets forward and defends it to the off side

54.6 Mitchell Johnson to Philander, 2 runs, short of length ball but too straight on leg stump, Philander glances it to fine leg and it races across this billiards table like outfield, but Hastings dives to his right to prevent a boundary

54.5 Mitchell Johnson to du Plessis, 3 runs, full pitched delivery outside off, du Plessis stays forward and leans into the stroke and laces the drive classily to the deep extra cover region, the timing is not all that great and they take three runs

54.4 Mitchell Johnson to du Plessis, FOUR, majestic shot from du Plessis, short ball and standing up nicely on the stumps, du Plessis swivels and clouts the pull shot to the deep backward square leg fence

52.1 Mitchell Johnson to Philander, 1 run, good length ball just outside off, Philander works it to square leg

Another session that has been dominated by Australia. Hashim Amla was run-out thanks to some brilliant work from Warner. AB de Villiers gave John Hastings his first Test wicket and Dean Elgar's torrid debut was cut short by Johnson. Faf du Plessis and Robin Peterson steadied the ship by scoring a 57 run stand before Lyon snapped up Peterson. du Plessis continues to hold firm and it will take some clever batting to help South Africa go past 200.

51.6 Lyon to du Plessis, no run, flighted delivery on the off stump, du Plessis defends it and that will be Tea

51.5 Lyon to du Plessis, no run, short ball on the middle and leg stump, du Plessis mistimes the pull to backward square leg

51.4 Lyon to du Plessis, FOUR, confident stroke from du Plessis, it is a low dipping full toss on the stumps, du Plessis shimmies down the track and clips it in between the gap at mid wicket and mid on, the ball purrs away to the wide long on fence

51.3 Lyon to Philander, 1 run, quicker off-break but it is on the pads, Philander works it to long leg

51.2 Lyon to Philander, no run, tossed up delivery and spinning back in just outside off, Philander shoulders arms

51.1 Lyon to Philander, no run, flatter delivery just outside off, Philander goes back and blocks it

50.5 Mitchell Johnson to Philander, 1 run, good length ball just outside off, Philander pats it to short mid wicket and takes a quick single

50.4 Mitchell Johnson to Philander, no run, that is a brute of a ball from Johnson, this short delivery spits up sharply like a Cobra, he tries to duck and fend it at the same time, he is surprised by the pace totally and he fends it to the leg side by taking the bottom hand off

50.3 Mitchell Johnson to Philander, no run, overpitched outside off, Philander bends the back leg and leans into the stroke as he mistimes the drive to mid off

50.2 Mitchell Johnson to Philander, no run, Johnson bowls that with a scrambled seam, it is the slower delivery and it is full and just outside off, Philander is beaten by the change of pace

50.1 Mitchell Johnson to Philander, no run, short ball and it is hurled hard into the deck, Philander ducks under

49.6 Lyon to du Plessis, no run, this delivery skids on straight just outside off, du Plessis goes back and dabs it to point

49.5 Lyon to du Plessis, no run, quicker off-break just outside off, nurdled with the spin to the fielder at short leg

49.4 Lyon to du Plessis, no run, flighted delivery just outside off, du Plessis smothers it to the leg side

49.3 Lyon to du Plessis, no run, flatter delivery on the off stump, du Plessis turns it to short leg

49.2 Lyon to Philander, 1 run, loopy delivery just outside off, Philander eases it to mid on and this time judges the quick single well

49.1 Lyon to du Plessis, 1 run, flighted delivery just outside off, du Plessis drives it to mid off and takes off for a single, Johnson moves in and fires the throw to the keeper, it was the wrong end though as du Plessis was putting in the hard strides at the bowler's end

48.6 Mitchell Johnson to Philander, no run, short of length ball slanting away wide of the off stump, Philander shoulders arms

48.5 Mitchell Johnson to Philander, no run, this full delivery is slightly wider of the off stump, driven back to the bowler

48.4 Mitchell Johnson to Philander, no run, back of a length delivery speared across just outside off, Philander defends it

48.3 Mitchell Johnson to Philander, no run, pitched up and keeping it close to the off stump corridor, Philander solidly blocks it

48.2 Mitchell Johnson to Philander, no run, full ball and straight on middle and off, Philander defends it back to Johnson

48.1 Mitchell Johnson to Philander, no run, short of length ball angled across just outside off and it zips through, Philander plays inside the line of the delivery and the ball scoots past the edge

Mitchell Johnson [10.0-2-21-1] is back into the attack

47.6 Lyon to Philander, 1 run, in the air but safe, this delivery is given a bit more rip just outside off, it breaks back in sharply and the WACA wicket results in more extra bounce, Philander lunges forward and stabs at it, the ball takes the inside edge onto the front pad but it quickly goes past Cowan at short leg, rolls to backward square leg to get off the mark in streaky fashion

47.5 Lyon to Philander, no run, full and loopy delivery just outside off, Philander smothers it to the ground

47.3 Lyon to Peterson, out Caught by Wade!! Sharp catch by the keeper. Not the ideal delivery from Lyon but it produces a wicket nevertheless. Short delivery and spinning away wide outside off, Peterson could have smashed it anywhere, he goes for the cut but the extra bounce results in him getting an outside edge, Wade keeps his eyes on the ball and takes a good catch. Peterson c Wade b Lyon 31(45) [4s-3]

Lyon to Peterson, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

47.2 Lyon to Peterson, no run, tossed up delivery just outside off, Peterson gets forward and taps it to point

46.6 Hastings to Peterson, 1 run, shortish ball on leg stump, Peterson twirls his wrists and works it to long leg

46.5 Hastings to Peterson, no run, short of length ball that zips through on leg stump, Peterson again gets hit on the pad as he tries to work it to the leg side

46.4 Hastings to Peterson, no run, muted appeal for an LBW from Hastings, good length ball and nipping back in a touch, Peterson hops and tries to tuck it to mid wicket but gets hit high on the thigh pad, that ball was pitching outside the line of leg stump

46.3 Hastings to Peterson, no run, Hastings hangs the length back just outside off, Peterson goes on the backfoot and defends it back to the bowler

46.2 Hastings to Peterson, no run, short of length ball just outside off, Peterson gets forward and knocks it to cover point

46.1 Hastings to Peterson, no run, back of a length delivery slanted across outside off, Peterson lets it go

45.6 Lyon to du Plessis, no run, flighted delivery just outside off, driven to mid off

45.5 Lyon to Peterson, 1 run, loopy delivery on the middle and leg stump, Peterson works it to square leg

45.4 Lyon to du Plessis, 1 run, another poor shot from du Plessis, Lyon gives this delivery a lot more air just outside off, du Plessis sashays down the track but he again fails to get to the pitch of the ball, he tries to slog it over mid wicket but ends up toe-ending it behind square on the leg side

45.2 Lyon to du Plessis, no run, flatter delivery that turns back in on off stump, du Plessis nudges it with the spin to short leg

45.1 Lyon to Peterson, 1 run, flighted delivery just around the off stump, Peterson drives it to backward point where Mitchell Johnson misfields and gifts them a single

44.6 Hastings to du Plessis, no run, back of a length delivery and holding its line in the channel outside off, du Plessis shoulders arms

44.5 Hastings to du Plessis, 2 runs, this delivery cuts back in from a short of length just outside off, du Plessis pulls it to long leg for a brace

44.4 Hastings to du Plessis, no run, good length ball in the channel outside off, left alone by du Plessis

44.3 Hastings to du Plessis, no run, short of a good length ball slanted in on the off stump, du Plessis pats it to silly mid on

44.2 Hastings to du Plessis, no run, pitched up delivery that curls back in on the off stump, du Plessis drives it to the silly mid on fielder who is stationed there, he tries to back-flick it onto the stumps at the bowler's end but Peterson is alert and he comes back, Watson is the fielder there

44.1 Hastings to du Plessis, no run, on the money immediately from Hastings, back of a length delivery that kicks up a bit just outside off, du Plessis takes the bottom hand off as he dabs it to short cover

John Hastings [14.0-2-40-1] is back into the attack

43.6 Lyon to Peterson, no run, slow and short delivery outside off, Peterson cuts it to point

43.5 Lyon to du Plessis, 1 run, in the air but safe, flighted delivery that drifts away initially, it breaks back in as du Plessis skips down the track but gets beaten in the flight, he tries to swat it to mid wicket but the ball rolls to backward square leg off the inside half of the bat

43.4 Lyon to du Plessis, no run, flatter delivery just outside off, du Plessis nudges it to the leg side off the front foot

43.3 Lyon to du Plessis, no run, loopy delivery around the off stump, du Plessis charges down the track and gets to the pitch as he smothers it to the on side, he slips up a touch but gets his back foot back in the crease

43.2 Lyon to du Plessis, no run, fuller in length just outside off, driven to mid on

43.1 Lyon to Peterson, 1 run, Lyon tosses it up and gets it to drift in just outside off, Peterson gets forward and drives it and the ball rolls to deepish backward point off the outside edge

Nathan Lyon, right-arm off break, comes into the attack

A slip and silly point in place as spin is introduced into the attack.

42.6 Starc to du Plessis, no run, on a good length and outside off, du Plessis punches it to mid off

42.5 Starc to du Plessis, 2 runs, pitched up and very straight, du Plessis flicks it down to deep mid wicket for a couple

42.4 Starc to du Plessis, FOUR, pitched up and well outside off, du Plessis reaches out and drills it past the man at cover for a boundary. Top shot

42.3 Starc to du Plessis, no run, full and on the off now, Plessis waits for it and jams it out on the offside

42.2 Starc to Peterson, 3 runs, angled in nicely, Peterson whips it through mid wicket and takes three very quickly

42.1 Starc to Peterson, no run, full and outside off, Peterson taps it softly to backward point

41.6 Shane Watson to du Plessis, no run, very full again, du Plessis leans forward and defends it solidly

41.5 Shane Watson to Peterson, 1 run, very straight from Shane Watson now, Peterson turns it through square leg for a single

41.4 Shane Watson to Peterson, no run, full and outside off, Peterson punches it to cover

41.3 Shane Watson to Peterson, FOUR, very good bowling this from Shane Watson. He gets this to nip in a touch and finds the inside edge but unluckily for him it shoots over the leg stump and down to the boundary

41.2 Shane Watson to Peterson, no run, just outside off, Peterson hops up and pushes it towards mid off

41.1 Shane Watson to Peterson, no run, full and well outside off, Peterson opens the face and guides it to point

40.6 Starc to du Plessis, no run, full and on the off, du Plessis taps it softly on the onside

40.5 Starc to Peterson, 1 run, pitched up and slanted in again, Peterson whips it down to fine leg for an easy single

40.4 Starc to Peterson, FOUR, full and well outside off, Peterson leans forward and drives it sweetly along the ground to the extra cover fence

40.3 Starc to du Plessis, 1 run, very straight again, du Plessis turns it through mid wicket for a quick single

40.2 Starc to du Plessis, no run, good length and very straight, du Plessis drops it towards mid wicket

40.1 Starc to du Plessis, no run, full and well outside off, du Plessis shoulders arms

39.6 Shane Watson to Peterson, no run, pitched up and moving in a touch, Peterson punches it to mid on

39.5 Shane Watson to Peterson, no run, full and on the off, Peterson punches it on the offside

39.4 Shane Watson to du Plessis, 1 run, full and on the middle and leg, du Plessis turns it through mid wicket for one

39.3 Shane Watson to du Plessis, no run, missing leg says the replay. Clarke is not impressed and walks off shaking his head. It was a full delivery that nipped in a touch and hit du Plessis just below the knee roll on the front pad. The ball-tracker system shows that it was going just wide of the leg stump

A very loud appeal turned down and Clarke has gone for the review. It struck du Plessis low on the front pad and looked very close.

39.2 Shane Watson to du Plessis, no run, full and well outside off with a hint of shape away, easily left alone

39.1 Shane Watson to du Plessis, no run, pitched up and on the off, du Plessis defends it solidly

38.6 Starc to Peterson, no run, on a good length and outside off, Peterson punches it to point

38.5 Starc to du Plessis, 3 runs, short and outside off, du Plessis stands up tall and cuts it nicely wide of the man at point. Warner races after it and makes a very good stop to save one

38.4 Starc to du Plessis, no run, full and slanted across, du Plessis watches it into the keeper's gloves

38.3 Starc to du Plessis, no run, pitched up and swinging in nicely, du Plessis punches it down the ground but Starc sticks his hand out to make a good stop

38.2 Starc to du Plessis, no run, on the middle and leg, du Plessis taps it to mid wicket

38.1 Starc to du Plessis, 2 runs, pitched up and well outside off, du Plessis leans forward and punches it through cover for a couple

Drinks are on the field now

37.6 Shane Watson to du Plessis, 1 run, full and on the middle and leg, du Plessis turns it wide of mid on for a quick single

37.5 Shane Watson to du Plessis, no run, pitched up and sliding down the legside

34.6 Mitchell Johnson to Peterson, no run, beautifully bowled but no luck for Mitchell Johnson. It was full and swinging away, Peterson looks to drive but misses it completely

34.5 Mitchell Johnson to Peterson, no run, good length and outside off, Peterson punches it to mid off

34.4 Mitchell Johnson to Peterson, no run, on a good length and just outside off, Peterson taps it on the offside

34.3 Mitchell Johnson to Peterson, 4 runs, full and slanted in now, Peterson whips it neatly through mid wicket. Huge vacant area but Peterson has enough time to run four

34.2 Mitchell Johnson to Peterson, no run, full and sliding down the legside now, Peterson misses the flick

34.1 Mitchell Johnson to Peterson, no run, back of a length and well outside off, Peterson sways away from the line

33.6 Hastings to du Plessis, FOUR, short of length and outside off, du Plessis stands up tall and punches it firmly from the crease to the sweeper cover fence. Super shot that.

33.5 Hastings to Peterson, 3 runs, slightly short from Hastings, Peterson rocks back to pull but without much timing. It slows up in front of the boundary as Lyon collects

33.4 Hastings to Peterson, no run, full and outside off, Peterson leans forward to push it to mid off

33.3 Hastings to Peterson, no run, pitched up and well outside off, Peterson punches it uppishly to short extra cover

33.2 Hastings to Peterson, no run, full and just outside off, Peterson leans forward and taps it to mid off

33.1 Hastings to Peterson, FOUR, pitched up and well outside off, Peterson presses forward and gets a thick outside edge past gully for a boundary

32.6 Mitchell Johnson to du Plessis, no run, just outside off again, du Plessis taps it to point

32.5 Mitchell Johnson to du Plessis, no run, pitched up and outside off, du Plessis drives it firmly to mid off

32.4 Mitchell Johnson to du Plessis, no run, full and swinging in a touch, du Plessis pushes forward and turns it to mid wicket

32.3 Mitchell Johnson to du Plessis, no run, just outside off again, du Plessis gets behind the line to tap it to cover

32.2 Mitchell Johnson to Peterson, 3 runs, a low full toss on the leg now, Peterson stands up tall and whips it through mid wicket for three

32.1 Mitchell Johnson to Peterson, no run, angled in with a lot of pace, Peterson is late to bring his bat down and is struck on the pad

31.6 Hastings to du Plessis, no run, full and well outside off, du Plessis leaves again

31.5 Hastings to du Plessis, no run, good length and just outside off, du Plessis leaves once more

31.4 Hastings to du Plessis, no run, nipping in from outside off, du Plessis watches it well and shoulders arms

31.3 Hastings to du Plessis, no run, on a good length and on the off, du Plessis taps it on the offside

31.2 Hastings to du Plessis, FOUR, pitched up nicely, du Plessis leans forward and drives it sweetly straight down the ground. Beautifully played that

31.1 Hastings to du Plessis, no run, on a good length and outside off, du Plessis shoulders arms

30.6 Mitchell Johnson to Peterson, no run, almost had him first up. A very good yorker but it moves away a touch just outside off and Peterson fails to jam it away

Robin Peterson, left handed bat, comes to the crease

Five slips and a gully along with a leg slip and short leg.

30.5 Mitchell Johnson to Elgar, out Caught by Wade!! South Africa in complete tatters now. A well directed short delivery, Elgar looks to pull but gets a top edge that Wade takes with ease. Elgar never looked comfortable at the crease and has perished. First wicket for Mitchell Johnson too and it is greeted with loud cheers from the home crowd. Elgar c Wade b Mitchell Johnson 0(12)

Mitchell Johnson to Elgar, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

30.4 Mitchell Johnson to Elgar, no run, on a good length and just outside off, Elgar taps it in front of cover

30.3 Mitchell Johnson to Elgar, no run, full and outside off, Elgar shoulders arms with ease

30.2 Mitchell Johnson to Elgar, no run, short of length and lot of bounce again, Elgar stands up tall and blocks it on the offside

30.1 Mitchell Johnson to Elgar, no run, full and very straight, Elgar turns it to short leg

29.6 Hastings to du Plessis, no run, Hastings is bowling a terrific spell. This time he hits du Plessis on the glove and hurts him. It was nipping in from outside off and there was extra bounce too

29.5 Hastings to du Plessis, no run, good length and outside off again, du Plessis gets right behind the line to block once more

29.4 Hastings to du Plessis, no run, on a good length and very straight, du Plessis gets right behind the line to block

29.3 Hastings to du Plessis, no run, full and straight, du Plessis gets behind the line and turns it to mid wicket

29.2 Hastings to du Plessis, no run, nipping in now, muted appeal but it is turned down. An inside edge onto his pads and that saves him

29.1 Hastings to du Plessis, FOUR, another edge but it does not go to hand. It was full and outside off, du Plessis gets a thick edge and it flies well wide of gully to the boundary

28.6 Mitchell Johnson to Elgar, no run, full and just outside off, Elgar continues to hang back and defend

28.5 Mitchell Johnson to Elgar, no run, pitched up and well outside off again, Elgar leaves once more

28.4 Mitchell Johnson to Elgar, no run, full and well outside off. Elgar does not move his feet an inch as he pushes it to cover

28.3 Mitchell Johnson to Elgar, no run, just outside off now, Elgar leaves again

28.2 Mitchell Johnson to Elgar, no run, short of length and into the body too. Elgar is late on the shot and is hit on the thigh

28.1 Mitchell Johnson to Elgar, no run, good length and on the off, Elgar pushes it back from the crease

27.6 Hastings to du Plessis, no run, full and outside off, du Plessis leans forward and defends it solidly

27.5 Hastings to du Plessis, FOUR, almost another wicket! Too good a delivery first up for anyone. This one pitches on a good length and bounces high. du Plessis was neither forward nor fully back but pokes out anyway and gets it on the shoulder of the bat. Fortunately for his it flies between the slip cordon and gully

Faf du Plessis, right handed bat, comes to the crease

27.4 Hastings to de Villiers, out Caught by Michael Clarke!! Hastings gets his first Test wicket with an absolute beauty. It was a full delivery that shaped away very late. de Villiers was lured into playing a shot but gets a thick edge that goes straight to Clarke at first slip. South Africa slip further down. de Villiers c Michael Clarke b Hastings 4(12) [4s-1]

Hastings to de Villiers, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

27.3 Hastings to de Villiers, no run, full and well outside off again, de Villiers leaves once more

27.2 Hastings to de Villiers, no run, pitched up and well outside off, de Villiers continues to leave

27.1 Hastings to de Villiers, no run, full and well outside off, de Villiers shoulders arms

26.6 Mitchell Johnson to Elgar, no run, short of length and well outside off, Elgar shoulders arms

Dean Elgar, left handed bat, comes to the crease

26.5 Mitchell Johnson to de Villiers, out Amla Run Out!! That's a huge blow for South Africa. de Villiers tapped this wide of cover and called for a quick single. Amla was slow to respond but Warner was very quick to get across and score a direct hit. Amla was stretcheing but is still caught short. South Africa in a lot of trouble now. Amla run out (Warner) 11(43) [4s-2]

Mitchell Johnson to de Villiers, THATS OUT!! Run Out!!

A direct hit and that could be a run out. Warner was the fielder and Amla was slow to get across. Yes. He is gone.

26.4 Mitchell Johnson to de Villiers, no run, full and well outside off, de Villiers shoulders arms

26.3 Mitchell Johnson to de Villiers, no run, on the off, de Villiers gets behind the line and blocks it well

26.2 Mitchell Johnson to de Villiers, FOUR, streaky but de Villiers gets off the mark with a boundary. It was nicely pitched up and outside off, de Villiers goes for the drive and slices it uppishly between gully and point. That could have easily gone to hand

26.1 Mitchell Johnson to de Villiers, no run, on a good length and just outside off, de Villiers stands up tall and blocks it on the offside

Mitchell Johnson [5.0-0-10-0] is back into the attack

25.6 Hastings to Amla, no run, just outside off and nipping away now. Amla plays inside the line and is beaten. End of a good over from Hastings.

25.5 Hastings to Amla, no run, catch dropped by Cowan at mid wicket. That is a big mistake. It was a simple chance. Full delivery from Hastings and angled into the pads. Amla flicks uppishly and straight to Cowan at mid wicket but loses balance and spills it

25.4 Hastings to Amla, no run, very straight now, Amla watches it closely and defends

25.3 Hastings to Amla, no run, full and slanted in this time, Amla is hit high on the front pad

25.2 Hastings to Amla, no run, slow movement away but still well outside off, Amla does not offer a shot

25.1 Hastings to Amla, no run, on a good length and well outside off, Amla leans forward and pulls his bat away late

The wickets in the fag end of the session has given Australia the advantage. It is not an easy pitch to bat on. There is good bounce off the track and the strong breeze is assisting swing. None of the batsmen looked really settled in on this track and that could be the pattern throughout. Join us in a short while to find out if South Africa recover.

24.6 Starc to de Villiers, no run, slanted outside off again, de Villiers leaves and that will be lunch on day one

24.5 Starc to de Villiers, no run, good line and length again, just outside off and de Villiers does not offer a shot

24.4 Starc to de Villiers, no run, on a good length and well outside off, easily left alone by de Villiers

AB de Villiers, right handed bat, comes to the crease

24.3 Starc to Kallis, out Bowled!! Starc is over the moon and so is the rest of the team. He had softened him up with a good short delivery earlier, now it was full and swinging in nicely. Kallis' feet don't move and he still drives but misses. The off stump is pegged back. Very similar to the dismissal of Petersen. That is a big boost just before lunch. Kallis b Starc 2(7)

Starc to Kallis, THATS OUT!! Bowled!!

24.2 Starc to Kallis, no run, full and outside off, Kallis leans forward and punches it to mid off

24.1 Starc to Kallis, no run, good delivery. Short of length and just outside off. Kallis takes his eyes off the ball and fends out. It takes the shoulder of the bat and lobs in front of gully

23.6 Hastings to Amla, no run, full and outside off, Amla shoulders arms again

23.5 Hastings to Amla, no run, on a good length and outside off, Amla taps it on the offside

23.4 Hastings to Amla, no run, full and outside off, Amla decides to leave again

23.3 Hastings to Kallis, 1 run, on a good length and down the legside, Kallis flicks it down to fine leg for an easy single

23.2 Hastings to Kallis, no run, on the off, Kallis defends it solidly

23.1 Hastings to Kallis, no run, good length and well outside off, Kallis shoulders arms

22.6 Starc to Amla, no run, on the off, Amla gets behind the line and taps it to mid wicket

22.5 Starc to Kallis, 1 run, pitched up and outside off, Kallis drives it nicely square on the offside for a quick single

Jacques Kallis, right handed bat, comes to the crease

22.4 Starc to Petersen, out Bowled!! Starc has been breathing hot and cold all day. This was a beautiful delivery. Full and swinging in. Petersen looks to drive but it shapes in and sneaks in between his bat and pad to crash into the off stump. Petersen never looked convincing in his stay and Australia have got what they wanted. Petersen b Starc 30(73) [4s-4]

Starc to Petersen, THATS OUT!! Bowled!!

22.3 Starc to Petersen, no run, very straight in line, Petersen turns it to mid wicket

22.2 Starc to Petersen, no run, on a good length and on the off, Petersen plays it back to Starc

22.1 Starc to Petersen, no run, short of length and outside off, Petersen dabs it to point

21.6 Hastings to Amla, no run, banged in short by Hastings and Amla ducks under quickly

21.5 Hastings to Amla, no run, nipping in from outside off, Amla watches it well and leaves

21.4 Hastings to Petersen, 1 run, pitched up, Petersen leans forward and pushes it in front of mid off

21.3 Hastings to Petersen, no run, good length and just outside off, Petersen dabs it on the offside

21.2 Hastings to Petersen, no run, full and still outside off, no shot offered

21.1 Hastings to Petersen, no run, on a good length and outside off, Petersen taps it to cover

20.6 Starc to Amla, no run, full and outside off, Amla punches it to mid off

20.5 Starc to Amla, no run, pitched up and outside off, Amla drives it firmly but straight to mid off

20.4 Starc to Amla, no run, on the off again, Amla mistimes it towards mid wicket

20.3 Starc to Amla, no run, short of length and outside off, Amla punches it to cover

20.2 Starc to Amla, no run, full and still well outside off, easily left alone by Amla

20.1 Starc to Amla, no run, on a good length and outside off, Amla dabs it to backward point

19.6 Hastings to Petersen, no run, pitched up and outside off, Petersen pushes it back down the track

19.5 Hastings to Petersen, no run, angled in, Petersen leans forward and plays it back down the track

19.4 Hastings to Petersen, no run, full and outside off, Petersen plays it back to Hastings

19.3 Hastings to Petersen, no run, outside off again, moving away too. Petersen pokes out limply but is beaten. Not the first time today but he has hung in there

19.2 Hastings to Petersen, no run, full and outside off, Petersen shoulders arms

19.1 Hastings to Petersen, no run, full and straight, Petersen turns it to mid wicket

18.6 Starc to Petersen, 1 run, on a good length and outside off, Petersen dabs it square on the offside for one more

18.5 Starc to Amla, 1 run, on the middle and leg now, Amla turns it through square leg for another single

18.4 Starc to Petersen, 1 run, fuller and on the middle and leg now, Petersen works it through mid wicket for the single

18.3 Starc to Petersen, FOUR, short of length and outside off, Petersen rolls his wrists and plays it superbly between the gully and slip cordon, a risky shot but beautifully executed

18.2 Starc to Petersen, no run, well outside off again, no shot offered

18.1 Starc to Petersen, no run, full and outside off, Petersen shoulders arms with ease

Mitchell Starc [4.0-0-19-0] is back into the attack

17.6 Hastings to Amla, no run, on a good length and outside off, Amla chops it back down the track

17.5 Hastings to Amla, no run, full and straight now, Amla gets it in the inside half of the bat towards mid on

17.4 Hastings to Amla, FOUR, short with no real pace and a lot of width to boot. Amla stands up tall and cuts it fiercely for another boundary

17.3 Hastings to Amla, no run, full and outside off, Amla punches it to mid off

17.2 Hastings to Amla, no run, nipping in a touch from outside off, Amla stays back and blocks it well

17.1 Hastings to Amla, no run, full and outside off, Amla decides to leave

16.6 Mitchell Johnson to Petersen, no run, full and on the middle and leg, Petersen drives it well but finds mid wicket

16.5 Mitchell Johnson to Petersen, no run, full and well outside off, Petersen shoulders arms

16.5 Mitchell Johnson to Petersen, wide, banged in short but going over the batsman's head, called a wide rightly

16.4 Mitchell Johnson to Petersen, no run, pitched up and outside off, Petersen drives it straight to extra cover

16.3 Mitchell Johnson to Petersen, no run, full and well outside off, Petersen leaves it with ease

16.2 Mitchell Johnson to Petersen, no run, full and just outside off, Petersen leans forward to defend

16.1 Mitchell Johnson to Petersen, no run, very loud appeal from Mitchell Johnson but it is turned down. It was a good length that shaped in nicely. Petersen is hit on the back leg but it saved by the bounce again. It was going well over the stumps

15.6 Hastings to Amla, no run, Hastings goes well outside off again but does not make Amla play

15.5 Hastings to Amla, no run, full and well outside off again, no shot offered

15.4 Hastings to Amla, no run, pitched up and well outside off, Amla continues to leave

15.3 Hastings to Amla, no run, full and well outside off, Amla shoulders arms again

14.5 Mitchell Johnson to Amla, no run, full and slanted outside off again, Amla presses forward and dabs at it once more but is beaten comprehensively

14.4 Mitchell Johnson to Amla, no run, excellent bowling this from Mitchell Johnson. Just outside off and nipping away, Amla plays inside the line and it misses the outside edge by a whisker. Mitchell Johnson is very unlucky not have a wicket yet

14.3 Mitchell Johnson to Amla, no run, full and slanted outside off, Amla does not offer a shot

14.2 Mitchell Johnson to Amla, no run, banged in short now by Mitchell Johnson, Amla gets under is quickly

14.1 Mitchell Johnson to Petersen, 1 run, full and on the leg, Petersen clips it down to deep square leg

13.6 Hastings to Amla, no run, pitched up and outside off again, no shot offered by Amla

13.5 Hastings to Amla, no run, on a good length and outside off again, Amla shoulders arms

13.4 Hastings to Amla, no run, good length and on the off, Amla taps it back down the track

13.3 Hastings to Amla, FOUR, pitched up and well outside off, Amla leans forward and drives it sweetly through extra cover for his first boundary. Great timing on that one

13.2 Hastings to Amla, no run, very full and outside off, Amla jams it into his boots

13.1 Hastings to Amla, no run, full and well outside off, Amla does not offer a shot

John Hastings [3.0-0-6-0] is back into the attack

12.6 Mitchell Johnson to Petersen, no run, pitched up and well outside off, Petersen pushes it to backward point

12.5 Mitchell Johnson to Petersen, no run, on a good length again and outside off, Petersen dabs it to point

12.4 Mitchell Johnson to Petersen, 2 runs, Mitchell Johnson goes full on the leg, Petersen turns it wide of deep square leg for a couple

12.3 Mitchell Johnson to Petersen, no run, just outside off, Petersen leans forward and blocks it well

12.2 Mitchell Johnson to Petersen, no run, on a good length again and well outside off, no shot offered again

11.5 Shane Watson to Amla, 2 runs, full and outside off, Amla punches it through cover and gets off the mark for a couple

11.4 Shane Watson to Amla, no run, nice and full outside off, Amla prods forward to defend it

Hashim Amla, right handed bat, comes to the crease

11.3 Shane Watson to Graeme Smith, out Caught by Michael Clarke!! Shane Watson makes a fantastic return and is absolutely delighted. It was a full delivery outside off, Smith leans out to defend but gets a thick outside edge and Clarke latches on to a low catch at first slip Graeme Smith c Michael Clarke b Shane Watson 16(30) [4s-1]

Shane Watson to Graeme Smith, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

11.2 Shane Watson to Graeme Smith, no run, full and well outside off, Smith leaves it easily

11.1 Shane Watson to Petersen, 1 run, on the middle and leg, Petersen turns it down to fine leg for one more

10.6 Mitchell Johnson to Graeme Smith, no run, good length and just outside off, Smith taps it to cover

10.5 Mitchell Johnson to Graeme Smith, no run, pitched up and outside off, Smith punches it to short extra cover

10.4 Mitchell Johnson to Petersen, 1 run, full and on the middle and leg, Petersen clips it wide of mid wicket for a quick single

10.3 Mitchell Johnson to Petersen, no run, on a good length and just outside off, Petersen does not offer a shot

10.2 Mitchell Johnson to Graeme Smith, 1 run, short of length and outside off, Smith dabs it square on the offside for a single

10.1 Mitchell Johnson to Graeme Smith, no run, full and wide outside off from Mitchell Johnson, Smith decides to go after it and flays his bat out but misses. This is already a very interesting battle between these two

9.6 Shane Watson to Petersen, no run, closer to the off stump, better line and getting some away swing too. Petersen watches it closely and defends it back down the track

9.2 Shane Watson to Petersen, no run, on a good length and just outside off, Petersen stands up tall to block it

9.2 Shane Watson to Petersen, wide, Shane Watson goes wide outside off and called so

9.1 Shane Watson to Petersen, no run, a hint of movement away just outside off but Petersen gets right behind the line to block it

8.6 Mitchell Johnson to Graeme Smith, FOUR, very full and drifting onto leg, Smith flicks it with ease and all along the ground to the square leg fence

8.5 Mitchell Johnson to Graeme Smith, no run, on a good length and angled in, Smith is hit on the thigh

8.4 Mitchell Johnson to Graeme Smith, no run, an absolute stunner from Mitchell Johnson now. Rearing up steeply from a good length and Smith fends out awkwardly, it hits him on the bottom hand and lobs up dangerously in front of gully but Hussey cannot get there. Remember Johnson had broken Smith's finger the last time these two met in a Test in Australia

8.3 Mitchell Johnson to Graeme Smith, no run, pitched up and shaping away a touch, Smith lunges out to block it well

8.2 Mitchell Johnson to Graeme Smith, no run, a very loud appeal turned down. It was for a caught behind but Smith did not get any bat on it. It was a short of length delivery angled in, it grazes Smith's thigh before going down the legside to Wade. No review from Australia

8.1 Mitchell Johnson to Graeme Smith, no run, on a good length and just outside off, Smith hops up and defends it with ease

Mitchell Johnson, comes into the attack

The home boy is welcomed warmly. Two slips and two gullies in place for Johnson

7.6 Shane Watson to Petersen, no run, pitched up and very straight, Petersen punches it wide of mid on

7.5 Shane Watson to Petersen, no run, full and well outside off, Petersen shoulders arms with ease

7.4 Shane Watson to Graeme Smith, 1 run, very straight in line, Smith works it through mid wicket for an easy single

7.3 Shane Watson to Graeme Smith, no run, very full and outside off, Smith jams it out down the track

7.2 Shane Watson to Graeme Smith, 2 runs, Shane Watson delivers it on the leg now, Smith flicks it uppishly and wide of fine leg for a couple

7.1 Shane Watson to Graeme Smith, no run, on a good length and well outside off, Smith leaves it with ease

Shane Watson, right-arm fast medium, comes into the attack

6.6 Starc to Petersen, FOUR, Starc goes full now. This has been a sort of template in the four overs he has bowled so far. One short ball followed up with a full one. Petersen was waiting for it and flicks it with ease to the mid wicket fence

6.5 Starc to Petersen, no run, an absolute ripper now. Petersen is making good use of the bounce on offer. It comes off a good length and beats Petersen all ends up to go past the shoulder of the bat

6.4 Starc to Petersen, no run, full and very wide outside off, Petersen does not offer a shot

6.3 Starc to Petersen, no run, a full toss now as Starc errs in search of swing, Petersen edges it to gully

6.2 Starc to Petersen, FOUR, banged in short and Petersen pulls it with a lot of authority. He has played that shot quite well in the series and here he has enough time to pull it well in front of square. Very good shot.

6.1 Starc to Petersen, no run, on a good length and Petersen taps it straight to the fielder at short leg before taking a small stride out. Cowan has a shy at the stumps quickly but misses. A momentary lapse in concentration from Petersen

5.6 Hastings to Graeme Smith, no run, pitched up from round the wicket now, Smith lunges out to block it solidly

5.5 Hastings to Petersen, 1 run, slanted in, Petersen turns it past short leg for an easy single

5.4 Hastings to Petersen, no run, on a good length and just outside off, Petersen taps it to cover

5.3 Hastings to Petersen, no run, on the off now, Petersen gets right behind the line and blocks it

5.2 Hastings to Petersen, no run, on a good length and well outside off, easy leave for Petersen

5.1 Hastings to Graeme Smith, 1 run, short of length from round the wicket and outside off too, Smith chops it square on the offside for just one

4.6 Starc to Petersen, no run, pitched up and on the off, Petersen gets a good stride forward and blocks it solidly

4.5 Starc to Petersen, no run, pushed further outside off, Petersen decides to leave now

4.4 Starc to Petersen, no run, slanted across now and good bounce again, Petersen tries to fend it off but misses once more

4.3 Starc to Petersen, FOUR, Starc drifts onto leg now and Petersen glances it very fine to pick up his first boundary. That was done with minimum of effort

4.2 Starc to Petersen, leg byes, 2 runs, on the middle and leg, Petersen turns it behind square on the onside for a couple

4.1 Starc to Petersen, no run, well he survives. The bounce does save him. Just about an inch over the bails says the replay. Very good bowling from Starc though, nicely swinging in and had Petersen in a tangle looking to play it

Alviro has been adjudged LBW but he goes for the review. Nothing in doubt about the line but it is the bounce that could save Petersen. It has hit him on the knee roll. Looked plumb at first sight. No inside edge either. Petersen was on the frontfoot when it hit him.

3.6 Hastings to Graeme Smith, no run, short of length and just outside off, Smith stands up tall and blocks it to cover

3.5 Hastings to Graeme Smith, 2 runs, full and straight, Smith flicks it wide of the man at short leg to take a couple

3.4 Hastings to Graeme Smith, no run, pitched up and just outside off, Smith leans forward and pushes it to mid on

3.3 Hastings to Graeme Smith, no run, full and outside off, Smith leaves and Wade collects it with fingers pointing up. Very good bounce so far at the WACA

3.2 Hastings to Graeme Smith, no run, good line now, in the corridor of uncertainty, Smith watches it closely and leaves

3.1 Hastings to Graeme Smith, no run, on a good length and well outside off, Smith leaves with ease

2.6 Starc to Petersen, no run, on a good length and well outside off, Petersen shoulders arms

2.5 Starc to Graeme Smith, 1 run, angled into the body again, Smith works it to fine leg for an easy single

2.4 Starc to Petersen, 1 run, Starc goes very full now and gets some shape in too. Petersen is up to it though and jams it out wide of cover to get off strike

2.3 Starc to Petersen, no run, very good bounce for Starc from just short of length. It was slanted across too. Petersen has to adjust to the bounce quickly and tries to fend it away but misses

2.2 Starc to Petersen, no run, slanted across and well outside off, Petersen does not offer a shot

2.1 Starc to Graeme Smith, 1 run, short of length and into the ribs of Smith. He hops up and turns it uppishly down to fine leg for a single

1.6 Hastings to Petersen, no run, pitched up again and well outside off, Petersen punches it to mid off

1.5 Hastings to Petersen, no run, on a full length and on the off, Petersen leans forward and pushes it back to Hastings

1.4 Hastings to Petersen, no run, excellent delivery from Hastings. It was nicely pitched up and nips away just enough to beat the forward prod from Petersen

1.3 Hastings to Petersen, 2 runs, full and on the middle and leg, Petersen flicks it along the ground to deep square leg for an easy couple

1.2 Hastings to Petersen, no run, much straighter this time, Petersen is hit high on the thigh

1.1 Hastings to Petersen, no run, horrible first delivery from Hastings. He goes well down the legside. Nerves, understandably.

John Hastings, right-arm fast medium, comes into the attack

No new ball for the comeback man, Johnson. That's a surprise.

0.6 Starc to Graeme Smith, 2 runs, full and straight now, Smith stays back and whips it through mid wicket for an easy couple

0.5 Starc to Graeme Smith, no run, good shape away now from Starc and nicely pitched up too. Smith was looking to turn it on the onside and ends up getting a soft leading edge in front of gully

0.4 Starc to Graeme Smith, no run, short of length and just outside off, Smith stands up tall and knocks it on the offside

0.3 Starc to Petersen, 1 run, very full now from Starc and a hint of shape in, Petersen stays back and flicks it wide of fine leg

0.2 Starc to Petersen, no run, on a good length and just outside off, Petersen stands up tall and defends it

0.1 Starc to Graeme Smith, 1 run, Starc starts with a delivery on the middle and leg, no swing at all and Smith tucks it down to fine leg with ease to get off the mark

Graeme Smith and Petersen are at the crease. Graeme Smith is on strike. Starc will open the attack

The umpires walk out even as Australia are in a huddle. Ricky Ponting allows everyone else to jog in before coming out last to huge cheers. What a moment it is for a legend of the game.

Both teams have made a few interesting changes. While Australia had made their plans clear, South Africa dropping Rudolph comes as a bit of a surprise. Mitchell Johnson makes a return for Australia on his favorite ground. He will be eager to cash in.

South Africa will be sweating over the fitness of Jacques Kallis. What will their team composition be in this crucial Test? The toss is just a few minutes away.

Peter Siddle produced a gladiatorial effort at Adelaide but this has resulted in him missing this Test match. Ben Hilfenhaus is also out for this match which means that Australia's bowling line-up is weak. We might see either John Hastings or Josh Hazlewood play today.

Yesterday, Ponting announced his retirement from international cricket and that the Perth Test will be his last. His retirement leaves a massive void in the Australian batting and he will look to go out on a high by scoring well and helping Australia reach the No.1 ranking.

Welcome one and all to the grand finale of this marquee series between two titanic nations. Australia and South Africa have produced a slugfest in the first two matches and they are all set to resume their battle in the third and final Test at Perth. A win for Australia will propel them to the No.1 ranking in Tests but the focus on this Test will b on one man, Ricky Ponting.

Preview by Siddharth Vishwanathan

The setting could not have been more appropriate in this marquee series. After fighting tooth and nail to be on even terms at Brisbane and Adelaide, the focus now shifts to the final Test at the WACA in Perth. On a ground where draws are as rare as grass in the Sahara desert, the fight for the No.1 position in Test cricket does not get better.

TEAM NEWS: AUSTRALIA

When it comes to the Australian batting, skipper Michael Clarke is the one-man demolition army. He has been in such sublime touch that one wonders what can his zenith be. His back to back double centuries in the series, most notably, his first day assault on South Africa in Adelaide, have made this series remarkable in more ways than one. His leadership from the front has masked the frailties of the middle order remarkably. For Ricky Ponting, who has announced his retirement, this Test provides gives him an opportunity to bow out on a high.

Ed Cowan and David Warner have chipped in when required. Warner's blitz at Adelaide stole the momentum from the South Africans and he will be dangerous again at Perth. He will be keen to repeat his heroics at this venue early in the year against India when he blasted 180 to pull the rug right out of the Indian teams' feet. The addition of Shane Watson galvanizes the Australians totally. Watson has been in prime form with both bat and ball and he will be looked upon as the game-changer for the Aussies. With Michael Hussey in sublime form with two back to back centuries, it looks an impregnable batting line-up provided it all comes through for them.

Australia have rested Peter Siddle and Ben Hilfenhaus as the pace duo continue to recover after shouldering heavy workload in the last Test in Adelaide. The pacemen toiled in baking heat in nearly five sessions during South Africa's second innings at Adelaide Oval after James Pattinson broke down with a rib injury during the match. The addition of Mitchell Starc could be the ace in the pack for Clarke. Starc's ability to swing the ball at pace will be assisted by the Fremantle Doctor wind that blows across Perth and that will help the Australians tremendously. In the last couple of years, the left-arm pacers have enjoyed bowling on the Perth deck, none better than Mitchell Johnson who picked up 8/61 and 6/38 against South Africa and England in 2008 and 2010. With the wicket assisting the pacers, it could be an interesting toss-up between Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Johnson. Johnson has a formidable record at Perth, having picked up 30 wickets in four matches at an average of 18.13. His prospects look good but it will be interesting to see the composition that Australia go into at the WACA.

TEAM NEWS: SOUTH AFRICA

The focus on South Africa has been more on their injuries rather than on the action. The injury to JP Duminy at Brisbane robbed them off a valuable batsman. In Adelaide, it was a double whammy with Kallis batting on one leg thanks to a hamstring problem. The back spasm injury to Vernon Philander made the South African bowling attack pedestrian to say the least in Adelaide. If the score-line reads 0-0, then the South Africans have to thank their batsmen for standing up and blunting the threat of the Australian quicks.

In Brisbane, Hashim Amla and Jacques Kallis stamped their class and put South Africa on top. In Adelaide, they were rescued by Faf du Plessis who had a remarkable debut. His unbeaten 110 in the second innings was a textbook study of endurance, stamina, concentration and patience. If one has to look at the parallels to the du Plessis knock, then the Jacques Rudolph century where he defied the Glenn McGrath, Brett Lee and Shane Warne for the whole of the last day at Perth in 2005 comes close. Faf's innings has ensured that South Africa head into Perth as the No.1 team.

The WACA has been a happy hunting ground for the South Africans. Four years ago, South Africa achieved the second biggest run-chase in Test history when they chased down 414 and stole the advantage decisively from Australia. The big difference this time will be the potential unavailability of Jacques Kallis. His absence leaves a huge hole to fill for the Proteas. One might see Dean Elgar make his debut but South Africa also have a problem with the form of AB de Villiers. Since assuming the keeper's role, de Villiers has had some moderate returns and he will be looking to quickly change his fortunes.

The bowling is a bit more of a problem. Rory Kleinveldt has been all over the place in the first two Tests although he came back strongly in the second innings at Adelaide. Morne Morkel and Dale Steyn have bowled a lot of overs, with Steyn surprisingly proving to be less effective than what he usually is. The return of Philander strengthens the bowling and with the WACA wicket assisting the pacers more, one might see Imran Tahir miss out. Ryan McLaren makes an interesting case with regards to where he might slot in the team if he makes it for the third Test.

All said and done, this is the classic case of 'Do or Die' for both teams. A loss for South Africa would be crushing as they could relinquish the No.1 ranking, the spot which they fought so hard for. A win for Australia and Clarke would have fulfilled his mission of helping Australia go back to the top of the mountain after sinking into the abyss during the Ashes series loss in 2010-11.